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Philadelphia, PA - As a wide-eyed freshman stepping onto campus, Jerry Rice remembers the vast atmosphere at Mississippi Valley State. He was confident he belonged and his talents started shaping him into the greatest receiver of all time. The future Hall of Famer, however, simply knew not to rush while he carved out his place. Rice suggests such advice for high school seniors who are making the transition to college football. Even those who have the undeniable talent to contend for the new Jerry Rice Award, which will be bestowed on the outstanding freshman player in the Football Championship Subdivision, presented by The Sports Network and sponsored by Fathead.com. "Just be the best football player you can be," Rice says. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Look at it as a learning process. Tiny steps first, then big steps. Set small realistic goals that are possible. Be patient." Naturally, Rice improved with each season at MVSU. But getting prepared in the final months leading up to his freshman year and being committed to priorities were pivotal. He vowed not to let anybody else outwork him. "I was confident, but I knew I had to work hard and prove myself," he says. "I was also in good shape conditioning-wise, but college is different than high school as you have new coaches, new playbook, new teammates and you have to adjust. "Education must come first; that's why you are going to college. Football is second," added the electronics major. "Be your own person and don't be easily influenced." His fondest memories derive from the relationships he built with teammates. They respected Rice's work ethic as much as his record-setting achievements. He made receiving look effortless. A two-time first-team All-American, he graduated with 310 career receptions for 4,851 yards and 50 touchdowns. His 27 TD receptions in 1984 set the NCAA record for all divisions. Rice went on to become the NFL's all-time leader in many major statistical categories over a 20-year career. The Jerry Rice Award will be selected by a national panel of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries after the 2011 regular season. The winner will be honored at the 25th annual FCS Awards Banquet and Presentation, to be held in Frisco, Texas, on the eve of the NCAA Division I Football Championship in January. Rice has joined three other legends whose names adorn the top individual awards in the FCS: Walter Payton (FCS outstanding player), Buck Buchanan (FCS outstanding defensive player) and Eddie Robinson (FCS coach of the year). About The Sports Network The Sports Network (www.sportsnetwork.com), North America's foremost international real-time sports wire service, furnishes a wide range of content on a 24/7 basis utilizing state-of-the-art technology which sets the standard for the entire industry. From statistics to news, weather and injury reports to instant scores, branded product and gamecasts to photography and complete fantasy coverage data, domestic or world-wide, radio or TV, print or Internet, mobile to signage, TSN leads the way. About Fathead Fathead LLC is the industry leader of authentic officially licensed sports and entertainment graphic products. Fathead gives fans the opportunity to "FEEL The REAL" by bringing their favorite passion or inspiration to life. Fathead products include Fathead Customs and Fathead "Real Big", the life-size, high definition wall graphics of professional athletes, animated heroes, entertainment characters, team stadiums, helmets and logos. Fathead maintains license agreements with leading consumer brands across many industries and professional sports leagues. Visit www.fathead.com. |
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