2022 OL Zach Rice Thrilled for Notre Dame Offer

2022 Liberty Christian Academy (Va.) offensive lineman Zach Rice‍ received good news on Friday as Notre Dame offered. 

The 6-foot-6, 280-pounder takes his academics and football seriously, so Rice knows he'll fit at Notre Dame if that's the destination.

"The offensive line coach, Coach Quinn, had been talking to my coach for a while, but then took a break," Rice told Irish Sports Daily. "He called my coach out of nowhere and my coach told me he wasn't sure if he was going to offer. 

"Notre Dame had asked for my transcript and I feel like that took a while. I think he liked that I told him I had all A's in school." 

Quinn is known for his upfront approach while being relatable. Rice experienced that when Quinn offered and enjoyed his time on the phone with Notre Dame's offensive line coach.

"He's a real cool guy," explained Rice. "I know he can develop me looking into who has developed. He told me he's been coaching for 26 years and I know what he's done. He's been with the same staff, which is really cool. 

"One thing I really noticed is he's not an older coach, but he teaches old school. He explains a lot of stuff." 

Notre Dame is a school Rice knows about, but he'll also continue to dig into the program to and University to learn more.

"I know about the religion-based education," said Rice. "I have a lot of pastors in my family. My uncle and cousin are pastors, which is Baptist, but I don't see it as a problem." 

Rice is approaching 30 offers, but don't think it has gone to his head. The Virginia native is grounded and focused on his next step. 

"It's really a blessing with a lot of opportunities," stated Rice. "It's humbling. There is no school bigger than another, but schools like Notre Dame and Ohio State that don't just throw out offers and get to know the person before - this took months - I really respect how long it took them. 

"Now, that I see the timing and what they did - checking my grades, my background. He's checking for someone that if I don't make the NFL, I can be successful. Everyone who goes to Notre Dame has a good background and it's just a good atmosphere."