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          On The Trail

          UA jersey tour: TE Landon Rice

          • Gerry Hamilton, ESPN Staff WriterOct 12, 2015, 07:00 PM
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            • More than a decade covering recruiting, nationally and in Texas
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          WATCH: Landon Rice UA jersey presentation

          Auburn tight end commitment Landon Rice received his Under Armour All-America game jersey presented by American Family Insurance on Monday in front of teammates, coaches, faculty and friends at Calhoun High in Calhoun, Georgia.

          Rice, the No. 262-ranked prospect in the class of 2016, was excited to receive the invite.

          “First off, I was blown away and humbled to be invited,” said Rice. “Growing up watching guys like Julio Jones and all the great players that have played in the game, it’s humbling to be a part of the game. I already know a lot of the guys in the game, so it will be great to go down to Orlando and spend time with them, and compete and play on ESPN. It’s going to be a great experience.”

          The honor for Rice, and Calhoun High, is not lost on the 6-foot-6, 245-pound tight end who is expected to play right away at Auburn.

          “[Former Tennessee wideout] Da’Rick Rogers was the first player from Calhoun to be in the game, so this means a lot for our school to have another player in the game. This will mean a lot for our school and community.”

          With each Friday night win or step that furthers Rice’s career, it’s an indication that his preparation to this point has been worth it.

          “I think it shows my hard work and dedication to the game have paid off. Every day in the weight room or on the practice field, there is a lot of hard work put in to be the best player I can be. I want to thank my dad too. My father, Joey Rice, is the offensive line coach here at Calhoun. He really put me out there and pushed me every day.”

          Seven questions with Landon Rice:

          What player are you looking forward to competing with or against in the Under Armour All-America Game?

          "I don’t really know all the players that I will be lining up against, so that is tough. Kyle Davis and I grew up together playing on the same teams in little league and all-star teams, so it would be good to play on the same team with him again."

          If you could start a team with any player in your class, who would it be and why?

          "I would probably say Kyle Davis. He’s so explosive and strong. He’s just a mismatch against a corner, safety or linebacker. He’s a big-play guy that is a difference maker."

          What is your earliest football memory?

          "Pee-wee football. My brother and I played on the defensive line. We won the title, busted through the line and smoked the QB to win. I was probably seven years old."

          Which football player did you watch as a kid?

          "As a kid, it was Brian Urlacher of the Bears. A big ol' hard nosed guy that was gritty playing linebacker. I had a Brian Urlacher jersey and Fathead on my wall."

          If you could take on any pro in their sport, who would it be and why?

          "Jason Witten. I really respect him as a person, and not just a player. For him to be able to do what he has done in the league for so long is really good. He can block, flex out and do anything at the position. I would learn a lot going against him."

          What number do your wear, and why?

          "I wear 44. I started wearing it in middle school. It just carried on to high school, and I’m pretty sure at Auburn I will get to wear 44."

          What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

          "I want to be a farmer. I’m just a country boy that likes to be outside. I want to have a chicken farm."