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Michigan transfer Sam McGuffie, who had a tremendous season for the Wolverines as a true freshman, is bringing his game back to Texas.
McGuffie received his release in December and could be enrolling at Rice as early as Friday. He is also considering Houston, but the Owls are close to a commitment.

"Rice's administration is really committed to athletics and I really like it there," he said. "I've met all of the coaches and they are an up-and-coming program."

Rice defeated Western Michigan in the Texas Bowl this week and McGuffie was in attendance.

"I'd be close to home and I'd like to help recruit some of the big-name kids coming out of Houston the next few years," McGuffie said. "Conference USA puts a lot of kids into the NFL and I think I can put up some big numbers there."

If McGuffie enrolls at Rice, he would be joining another high-profile transfer in quarterback Nick Fanuzzi, who's coming from Alabama. Fanuzzi is from San Antonio.

"We would be a dynamic duo at Rice," McGuffie said.

McGuffie was a four-star recruit coming out of Cy-Fair High School last year and scored four

that is big news....they just got a helluva player.

High 4 star recruit - ranked as the 10th best RB in the country with offers from Michigan, ND, USC and Cal.

Wow! The reports I heard said he seemed disinterested on his Rice unofficial at a bowl practice. I really consider these type of signings by our competition to be a positive-I roll my eyes at those that wish ill on our conference mates. CUSA desperately needs to improve quality of play or this thing ain't going to work. And for the first time I see some pretty good recruiting by more CUSA teams. CUSA needs to establish itself as the next best option for Southern football players after the Big 12 and SEC. A strong CUSA raises the profile of any future success SMU might have-see the MWC.

Stallion wrote:Wow! The reports I heard said he seemed disinterested on his Rice unofficial at a bowl practice.

In 2 years when he's eligible our D will be so improved we'll shut him down

Big time players staying @ home. U gotta love it!

Stallion wrote:Wow! The reports I heard said he seemed disinterested on his Rice unofficial at a bowl practice. I really consider these type of signings by our competition to be a positive-I roll my eyes at those that wish ill on our conference mates. CUSA desperately needs to improve quality of play or this thing ain't going to work. And for the first time I see some pretty good recruiting by more CUSA teams. CUSA needs to establish itself as the next best option for Southern football players after the Big 12 and SEC.

I'm with you on this issue Stallion, I want CUSA to be as strong as possible. ECU kicks off at 4:00.

Possible Bad News for Rice-James Casey may turn pro.

http://blogs.chron.com/owls/2009/01/owl ... l_pla.html

Can you blame him? He is 24 years old and will lose his quaterback. Rice could have a very interesting 2009 season without Clements, Dillard, and probably Casey. That's a lot of offense to lose.

Update:

Casey is going Pro and McGuffie is officially an Owl...

smupony wrote:Update:

Casey is going Pro and McGuffie is officially an Owl...

OK, nice for CUSA, but that is scarry.

smupony wrote:Update:

Casey is going Pro and McGuffie is officially an Owl...

They got a nice player. Do you have a link to the story?

He was Michigan's best player in the Notre Dame game. What is going on at Mich, he perfectly fit their scheme.

McClown27 wrote:He was Michigan's best player in the Notre Dame game. What is going on at Mich, he perfectly fit their scheme.

He wanted to be closer to home, plain and simple.

there's a lot of kids like that we've been defaulting on for years.

Were we ever a consideraton? Because he wanted Houston, not Dallas or Ft. Worth? No question Rice is a fine school, but SMU just by its size offers greater variety. The students adore Rice, its just a real small gem that appeals to a special group of bright students. But, SMU should easily hold its own in terms of football recruiting.

Wow - can't believe he transferred to Rice but that's good news for them. That guy can play.