Messiah Rice

Height:
6-5
Weight:
320
Class:
Sophomore
Hometown:
Orangeburg, S.C.
High School:
Wilkinson
Major:
University Studies

Expected to contend for starting status at the left tackle position for the second-straight year, but coaches expect a battle with redshirt freshman D’Ante Smith to continue throughout preseason camp and into the early portion of the fall … Has worked with three different line coaches since arrival at ECU, but development and growth appeared to have accelerated with arrival of Geep Wade … Body size has fluctuated since arrival in Pirate program, first adding nearly 40 pounds of growth to reach 320-pound mark through beginning of sophomore campaign before dropping 25 pounds over the last eight months heading into the 2017 season.

2016: Started all 10 games played in at left tackle … Did not experience action in opener vs. Western Carolina and in first American Athletic Conference clash against UCF … Made first career start vs. NC State at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium … Helped offensive unit average 467.1 yards per contest, which stood 23^rd nationally … Also provided protection for Top 25 ranks in passing offense (6^th/334.7), completion percentage (11^th/64.8) and fourth down conversion percentage (22^nd/60.0) … Supported Top 10 performances for two individuals as WR Zay Jones captured FBS stat titles in receptions (158), receptions per game (13.2) and receiving yards per game (145.5), while QB Philip Nelson was 7th in completion percentage (67.9) and 10th in completions per game (23.7) … Integral part of a Pirate offense that turned in the second-highest single-season passing attack in school history (334.7) and the fourth-highest total offense output (467.1) … Credited with assisting unit’s compilation of 400 or more total yards in nine of 10 contests played … On the ground, opened holes for two 100-yard rushing performances (James Summers/114 vs. USF and 134 vs. Navy).

2015: Played in three games during first active season on ECU roster … Experienced action as a reserve lineman in road contests vs. SMU, Connecticut and UCF … Pirates turned in their highest total offense production in two of those games – 555 against Mustangs and 622 against Knights.

2014: Redshirted as a true freshman during first season in the Pirate program … Contributed efforts on the offensive scout squad, preparing defensive front on a game-by-game basis.

High School: Earned an invitation to represent South Carolina in the prestigious Shrine Bowl at the conclusion of his senior year … A First-Team All-Area (offense) selection by the Orangeburg Times & Democrat … Helped guide Bruins to a 9-2 record, which included a perfect 5-0 road mark, as a senior … Wilkinson advanced to the state playoffs but fell in the opening round to North Myrtle Beach High School (52-35) … A three-year letterwinner who also was a key part of a 7-5 squad in 2012 (5-3 region) … A strong student with a high school grade point average of 3.5 … Made his commitment to the Pirate program on Aug. 28, just three days prior to ECU’s season opener against Old Dominion.

Personal: Full name is Messiah T. Rice … A university studies major … Also competed on ECU’s track team during the spring as a thrower (shot put).