AU offer 'stands out' to in-state LB

AUBURN | James Clemens linebacker Monty Rice didn’t leave Auburn on Saturday without an offer. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele wouldn’t allow it.

“Coach Steele said my film was too good not to offer me,” Rice said. “He didn’t want me to leave without an offer.”

So Steele offered.

“At first I didn’t think they were going to,” Rice said. “Then they finally did. I’m pretty happy.”

The offer from Auburn is one of many on Rice’s list. The Tigers join Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Kentucky, Louisville, UAB, Troy and Iowa State, among others, as schools that have offered Rice.

One offer, however, stands out.

“The Auburn offer is probably No. 1 on my list right now,” Rice said. “Auburn is above the rest. Auburn is standing out above Georgia and South Carolina.”

Rice has several reasons for the Tigers being on top.

“I didn’t grow up an Auburn fan, but who doesn’t want to play in the Iron Bowl if you grow up in Alabama?” Rice said. “Auburn is a great school and they are building a great defense.”

Rice could be part of the Tigers’ future. He and close friend and fellow in-state linebacker K.J. Britt are seriously considering it.

“K.J. wants to be my teammate in college,” Rice said.

They both now have offers to do it at Auburn.

Rice, who is 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, attended three Auburn games last fall. He plans to return to Auburn in the spring.