Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Joshua Rice: Football means everything to me. It represents joy, elation, heartbreak and anger. Throughout all of those mixed emotions, it’s something that has definitely changed my life.
Joe Gaiter: What is your untold story?
Joshua Rice: My untold story is that throughout high school I was very much injury prone. All 4 years, from a broke ankle, to a strained back, to a broke shoulder, and to top it off my senior year I broke my thumb in half during a scrimmage and didn’t have a senior season. I had to walk on to Sacramento State, and that didn’t go well at all. My biggest fear was going Juco but that’s what I had to do. I called Coach Adam Nyssen from Santa Ana College for him to give me a chance. Once I got there I broke my collarbone in spring ball and tore my hamstring that fall of my freshmen season. Throughout all the tough nights crying and asking God what I should do, I was blessed to continue to play the game and become an All-State WR by the end of my Juco career.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories about Chaffey High School?
Joshua Rice: The experience, and also playing with the high school sensation Michael Dean. He definitely brought the crowd out every night.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your recruitment experience?
Joshua Rice: It was something new for me, due to not having it much in high school. It shows you how to stay humble. I’ve learn to take most things with a grain of salt, due to the fact that you aren’t the only player that a coach is a recruiting. Staying patient and humble with go a long way with recruiting.
Joe Gaiter: How was your time at Santa Ana College?
Joshua Rice: It was great. I developed as a player, man, and student. Outside of football, those coaches groomed me into a better man.
Joe Gaiter: What were some of your stats?
Joshua Rice: I played 17 games. I had 17 touchdowns, 1200 yards and 70 catches at Santa Ana.
Joe Gaiter:What has Juco life taught you about yourself and the game of football?
Joshua Rice: Stay humble humble humble. Always be appreciative of everything you’re given in life. Throughout trials and tribulations stay level headed and trust in God because he can bring you through it if he brought you to it.
Joe Gaiter:What made you choose Jackson State as your next school?
Joshua Rice:I loved the vibe soon as I got here. I connected with the coaches on a different level other than football. I feel that’s what matters at the end of the day.
Joe Gaiter: Jackson State was 4-8 last year. What can qualities are you bringing to the team to help them win more?
Joshua Rice: I feel as if I’m a disciplined person. This team has all the talent in the world but leadership and discipline takes you further than talent. So if I can come in and be an example for some guys hopefully we can all be able to get on the same page.
Joe Gaiter: Describe yourself as a wide receiver?
Joshua Rice: I feel as if I’ve been portrayed as the more so down the feel type of receiver, jump ball guy, and a deep threat. I think those are my specialties but I’m working to be an all around guy.
Joe Gaiter: What will be your major and how do you plan on using it?
Joshua Rice: I’m a liberal arts major. Once I get my bachelors degree in liberal arts my goal is to go back to school to pursue my psychology degree. My goal is to be a child psychologist.
Joe Gaiter: What is a message you want to tell your new coaches, teammates and fans at Jackson State?
Joshua Rice: This upcoming year will be a great year, definitely! Minor set back due to Covid-19 but let’s rock out this season and bring a championship back to Jackson.
Joe Gaiter: Who has been your motivation?
Joshua Rice: My mother. Seeing her determination and drive throughout the hardships we’ve been through just motivates me. It shows me how persistence and patience takes you a long way.
Joe Gaiter: What can we do to support Juco athletes better?
Joshua Rice: I honestly feel as if Juco athletes get treated well. Over the last few years junior college athletes has been get more recognition due to those who are succeeding at the next level.
Joe Gaiter: What is life like for you outside of football?
Joshua Rice: I’m a very laid back type of guy. If it’s not anything with football, I’m more than likely in church or just at home chilling. It’s almost like I’ve been quarantined forever.
Joe Gaiter: Who are some athletes we need to watch out for next season?
Joshua Rice: Luke Wilson, Donald McKinney, Devon Jackson, Indiana Taylor from Santa Ana Junior College and from Antelope Valley College in California. Those guys are ballers.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Joshua Rice: God is good. I’m blessed to be where I’m at today. To all the people going through a hardship right now, worship God in the midst of your troubles, there are better days ahead, 100%.
Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?
Joshua Rice: Shoutout to God first and foremost, my family, my personal trainer, Tom Hennie. Shout out to all of my supporters. Last but not least, shout out to my best friends. I wouldn’t be where I am today without any of you guys.
@Jricee2
