Scott Abell wrapped up his first spring practices as head coach of the Rice Owls last week and spoke to Dave Campbell’s Texas Football afterward to provide updates on his roster for the 2025 summer magazine. Abell, who runs a unique option offense out of the gun, was most recently the head coach at Davidson and was previously at Washington and Lee. This is his first FBS job. 

Abell inherits a program that went 4-8 in 2024 and hasn’t finished with a winning record since 2014. Coincidentally, 2014 was the only year in Abell’s 13 years as a head coach on the college level that he finished with a sub .500 record. Abell praised the “buy-in and commitment” from his roster after the spring and said, “I’m not sure I’ve ever had a group be committed to the process as fast as this one.” 

Here are some news and notes from the visit. 

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OFFENSE 

• Abell estimates that 60-70% of his offense was installed during the spring and he’s happy with that number. “It has a great shot of looking like I want it to in Year 1. It’ll mirror the strength of the quarterback who wins the job.” Abell pointed out that his 2023 squad at Davidson had more of a passing quarterback and they threw the ball 20-25 times a game. 
• Abell was quick to point out that the Rice option is not like Army or Navy, which are two teams in the AAC. He said the best comparison is probably old-school Oregon. A dynamic run team out of the gun with option schemes. 
• Chase Jenkins led the first drive of Rice’s condensed spring game and it resulted in a touchdown. Abell said the first thing he looks for in a quarterback is leadership and compared the position in his offense to a point guard in basketball. Jenkins is a redshirt sophomore and probably the most athletic quarterback currently at Rice. The previous staff moved him to wide receiver from quarterback, but Abell & Co. moved him back and he seemingly left spring ball in pole position to start. Drew Devillier and AJ Padgett are also in the mix. 
• Running back Quinton Jackson was the first name mentioned when Abell spoke about offensive standouts from the spring. The 5-foot-7, 160-pound junior plays bigger than his stature and fits what the new staff likes to do on the offensive side of the ball. “He’s lightning quick with a real burst. He’ll be a guy who thrives in this system.” Sophomore Taji Atkins from nearby Spring Westfield also stood out in spring at running back. “The running back group jumped out at us in the spring. That’s a young room, but we could see the talent.” 
• Abell said the offensive line had a great spring and that the scheme change will help that group be more effective in 2025. He said the roster picked up on the new offense quicker than expected and one of the main reasons was the personnel fit up front. “Because of our commitment to the run, it takes pressure off pass pro. We also utilize a lot of double teams and techniques that can help.” 
• The X receiver in this offense is left on an island and must be able to win 1-on-1 matchups on the outside. “Our receivers won’t lead the country in receptions, but the big plays and yards after the catch are important to us.” Braylon Walker and Landon Ransom-Goelz are names to watch out wide. True freshman Payton Matthews is a young guy with a lot of promise. 
• Abell describes his slot receivers as “do-it-all guys who need to be dynamic because they’re pivotal in our pitch phase. They’ll also be asked to take a fly sweep and make some plays.” Aaron Turner and Tyson Thompson were two names mentioned at that spot. 

DEFENSE 

• One of the first things Abell did after receiving the head coaching job at Rice was elevate Jon Kay into the defensive coordinator position. The former state champion at Galena Park North Shore was an assistant on the defensive staff the last couple of years. Abell said the defense hit the ground running in the spring because of familiarity. “His passion and energy that he coaches with comes out in the players.” 
• There will be a lot of carry-over from the previous defense and that allowed for less new install than the Rice offense dealt with. Kay added some wrinkles and put his own spin and terminology into the system. Some of the more experienced players were rested in the spring game.
• Ty Morris is back at linebacker after leading the Owls in tackles last season. Abell believes the linebacker room might be the best on the team saying “that group really jumps off the page.” Andrew Awe is now full-time at linebacker. 
• BYU transfer Mike Daley impressed in his first spring. He’ll be a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker for the Owls and Abell believes he can be one of the top pass rushers in the AAC. 
• Big nose tackle Blake Boenisch didn’t play in the spring game but he’ll anchor the interior of the Rice defensive line again. Abell said the 300-plus pound senior is in the best shape of his career. 
• Battles are still ongoing at cornerback as Rice enters the summer. The Owls are young at that spot. 
• Daveon Hook is a former walk-on who could be in line for a starting spot at one of the safety positions. Marcus Williams is healthy again and another projected starter in the backend. Plae Wyatt was out in the spring rehabbing but is a player the staff expects to count on in the fall.