On Sunday Katy Taylor senior Nico Carlson verbally committed to play football at Rice next fall. The formal announcement will be made at Taylor’s pep rally on Friday.
DT Carlson, 6-3, 260 pounds, committed to Rice to play the same position on the defensive line. The four-year scholarship offer will be finalized in February after Carlson finishes breaking through double- and triple-team blocking schemes to chase quarterbacks this fall.
It’s a chance to play with several Houston standout athletes, including Cy-Fair RB Sam McGuffie, transfer from Michigan, and Cinco Ranch’s NT John Gioffre.
“I’m just excited to play football close to home at the Division I level, and I can get an awesome education at the same time!” Carlson said Thursday. “Rice is a young team, so there is time to grow as a team.”
Carlson established his football career at Landstown High, Virginia Beach, Virginia and moved to Katy Taylor as a major college prospect in 2008. He is a power rusher, able to break into the backfield quickly and end running plays just as fast with his pursuit.
After the 2008 football season, the junior captured the UIL heavyweight state championship in wrestling by dominating all competitors, which is rare in the 285-pound class. Gioffre was also a state champion heavyweight wrestler, now in his sophomore season at Rice.