Jerome Rice III '18 Recruiting Profile

I believe I was interested in sports at birth.  If an award could’ve been given for the fastest crawler, the strongest grip on a bottle or the most baby pull ups on the side of a table in hopes of getting to what was on top, I would’ve held every record.  As a child, I was always around sports.  My father was a varsity football coach so I spent a lot of time with him in locker rooms, in meeting rooms, on the bus to games, on the field during practices and games, and in the weight room.  Since he played football at Wake Forest, I had the opportunity to go with him to numerous games and see the other side of the field.  My mother was the head girl’s track coach so whatever free moments I had away from football, I was with her on the track.  Both of my parents coached basketball as well so I spent a lot of time with them both in the gym.  I couldn’t wait for my opportunity to participate in sports like the many athletes that I watched them coach.  Once I finally was able to participate, I participated in as many sports as possible including track, basketball, and football.  Each sport provided different experiences and different learning opportunities; however, all gave me a sense of purpose, helped to develop my listening and thinking skills, made me develop courage, strengthened my will and determination, provided me with leadership opportunities, and helped me to learn to be a team player. I am a better person and student because of sports.

My little brother says that I’m too critical of myself because I always feel as if I have something to prove.  I don’t compare myself to my parents because they were great athletes themselves, I just want to be great because they’ve inspired greatness in me.  Because of my critical nature, I’m a student to the classroom and the playing field.  I have the unique experiences of being able to say that I’ve played every position on the football field.  Personally, I felt my best role was that of quarterback or receiver but I’ve received my best accolades as a linebacker. In track and field, I am the top thrower in shot and discus; however, my mom insists that I should’ve been a distance and 400 meter runner. 

My goals as a student have never changed.  I strive to give my best and want to be the best me that I can be.  I never shy away from the difficult which is why I continued to take rigorous courses even in my senior year. In college, I plan to do the same while pursuing either a field in medicine as a pediatrician or in law. What makes me a good fit for your team? I believe my strengths lie in my versatility, intelligence, dedication, leadership abilities, confidence and strong will.  I have the ability to fit into any program and with any group.  I don’t dodge the difficult and don’t believe in the impossible.