Emmert chooses the Owls

While many kids across the country are gearing up for the holiday season and concurrent week off of school, Liberty Hill (Tex.) athlete Kody Emmert is preparing to play in the biggest game of his life. The 6-6, 235-pound prospect leads his 12-2 squad into the Texas Class 3A state title game Saturday against Celina, but before that took place he wanted to place a present under Rice head coach Todd Graham's tree.

"I just committed to Rice tonight," said Emmert. "I tried to get a hold of Coach Graham and he didn't answer, so I called Coach [Danny] Phillips and the Rice coaching staff is fired up about it."

Although Rice is located just two hours from his home, Emmert has not been on the campus since he took part in a camp there this past summer. That did not stop him from choosing the Owls over offers from Purdue, Houston and Colorado State.

"Rice has faced a lot of hardship the last 20 years and Coach Graham came in to Rice and turned that whole program around," Emmert noted. "I feel I want to be a part of something that is building and help them win games."

With his size plus a 4.9 40-yard dash and 300+ bench press, schools were looking at Emmert as a possible tight end, offensive tackle or defensive end. Rice wanted him for the defensive side of the football and that was one factor that played into his decision.

"I'm going to Rice right now as a defensive end, but I should be able to fit in anywhere they need me whether it be tight end, defensive end or offensive line," said Emmert.

This season, Emmert has been used mostly as a tight end, but he has been seeing action on the defensive side of the football as well. He's sure to face one of his toughest test this weekend.

"We are in the state championship game this week," he said. "We're going to play the championship game next week at Floyd Casey Stadium against Celina. It's very exciting. I'm pumped."

Emmert nearly made his decision late in August before deciding to hold off and continue to evaluate the schools recruiting him. He took just one official visit, to Purdue on Oct. 20.