2025 Interview with Shawn Rice from Columbus East High School


 

Shawn Rice

East High School

WR/DB

2028

Height and weight: 5’11, 161

Jersey number: 11

Awards won or earned: North co-champs, state playoffs appearance, Rising Star Award, 4.0 scholar, All City Honorable Mention

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and/or memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

What is it like to play for Coach Bell?

I think playing for Coach Bell is a really helpful and amazing thing because not only is he a good coach, but he also helps you understand how to be a man and to take accountability and struggle head-on. He teaches us young men to not make excuses or place blame when dealing with tough situations but instead to stand tall in the storms.

What are the first words that come out of Coach Bell's mouth when things are not going well at practice?

Some of the first words that come out of Coach Bell's mouth are that we must have perseverance. What the coach means by this is even when we’re having a bad practice or day, we have to try our hardest to fight through it and persevere.

What are your personal goals for the 2025 season?

My personal goals for this year are to have more than 600+ receiving yards and to have 10+ touchdown receptions.

What will it take for East to not only take the city but win a couple of playoff games?

It will take us to have dedication and an extreme amount of focus so we can grow as a team on all levels. We must lock in, even during downtime, and stay on track to be great. We must also sit down as a team and review film and discuss what worked and what didn’t or what can be improved. Most of all, we have to become brothers on and off the field. We have to love each other in real life.

How often do you get a chance to work out with your quarterback on your own?

I get the chance very often because our quarterback wants to put in the work to get better and succeed, as do all of us. We meet up in our free time to do one-on-one sessions. I love the fact that he is also class of 2028 and just as hungry as I am to be the best he can be.

What is your game day routine?

For my game day routine, I have to start it off with a nice warm/cool shower to get my body going and do my daily hygiene routine. Next I would get a balanced breakfast and start my daily gallon of water hydration. Then go to school and focus on my work. I eat a high-protein/carb lunch to ensure my body has enough energy for the game. Pre-game, I participate in the team warmups, listen to music, and stretch to make sure my body and mind are ready.

Can the cheerleaders, dance team, and band really get you and the team fired up before and/or during the game?

Yes, they sure can. All of them are just as passionate about what they do, just like us. They will cheer us on every game, even a loss, and we appreciate them for that.

What is your biggest attribute as a football player?

My biggest attribute as a football player would be my ability to get open and run clean routes to make it easier for my quarterback to get me the ball and also that I always encourage and support my teammates even if I’m not doing my best either.

What are you doing during the off-season to help you become a better player?

Every off-season I’m in the weight room to make sure I’m strong and fast enough for the season coming up. I’m also out in the field working on my defense, footwork, hands, and my routes to make sure I’m the best that I can be. I attend training sessions also to ensure each year I’m improving.

Which game are you looking forward to the most? Explain

I’m looking forward to the Linden HS game because they’re our rivals, and I want to show everybody that we’ll always be the best in the north.

What makes you a good teammate?

What makes me a good teammate is that I hold everyone accountable, even if you’re an upperclassman. I hold everyone accountable, especially myself. I also give encouragement and support to my team, and I also listen to what they have to say.

As an athlete at East High School, what do you personally do to try and get more of your friends to come out for football?

By trying to just convince them to join the team but not trying to peer pressure them to join and also showing them what a brotherhood we all have on the team and how much fun it can be.

What is your favorite class or subject?

My favorite subject is science because it just makes me ask questions like, How did this happen? or Why? and also want to know the secrets of the world and science and help with that.

Outside of sports, what are you doing for fun?

I’d either just hang out with family or friends or just chill at home.

What scares you?

The things that scare me the most are losing a family member and having an injury that stops me from playing the game that I love, which is football.


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Comments

Anonymous said…
A true student athlete and leader. Bright future ahead.
May 26, 2025 at 8:12 PM
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