Rice goes out of state for a commitment

Currently, Rice University's list of recruits for the class of 2009 has predictably consisted primarily of in-state targets. However, recently, the Owls picked up their first commitment from an out of state target. Paul Porras out of Scottsdale (Ariz.) Saguaro committed to Rice as a safety adding more athleticism to the Rice class.

"I committed to Rice University," Porras confirmed. "I went to Rice's one day camp in the middle of July and I just fell in love with the coaching staff, the facilities and the academics and it just felt right for me. I wanted to get it out of the way and focus on my senior year. I really like Rice for me athletically and academically."

The commitment happened on July 26th and though he was being recruited by Arizona, Stanford, Washington, Northwestern and Ivy League schools, Porras' only other offer was from Army. He decided he didn't need to wait any longer for another one.

"I didn't feel like waiting for these other schools to come by and offer," he said. "I wanted the sure thing now. Rice did their homework and they know what they want in a player."

Porras brings to the Rice program an athletic safety that has the ability to play offense if need be.

"I'm really smart on and off the field," he said. "I've been playing since I was six years old. I'm really athletic, and explosive at both wide receiver and safety. I'm a hard hitter and I love to work. I can cover anybody that runs a 4.4."

Porras will be playing safety and returning kicks for Rice and he has shown his athleticism by being a three-sport athlete in high school. Along with football, Porras also is a standout on the basketball court and placed second in the state in the triple jump, jumping 44-1.