Rice was the second-most prolific defensive lineman in the California Community College Athletic Association with 54 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He also had 10.5 tackles for loss as Hartnell won the Coast Conference and Southern Division championships. He earned first-team all-Coast Conference and first-team Region III all-California that season. As a freshman, he played linebacker and was third on the team with 55 total tackles but the sack (nine) and tackles for loss (17 for -79 yards) leader. He also forced two fumbles.

He was a standout throughout his high school career beginning with his sophomore season during which he had 42 tackles and one sack. As a junior, he also played tight end and managed 107 total tackles and 10 sacks. He had four double-digit tackle games with a high of 13, while earning all-Baltimore recognition. Rice accounted for 104 tackles and five sacks as a senior.

Petrino’s network came into play when landing Rice, the junior college roommate of an Arkansas player.

“Anthony will really help our defensive line in maturity,” Petrino said. “He’ll be a great leader for us. He’s really mature besides being a great football player. He will bring a lot of stability to that crew – which we need.

“His work ethic is to just play hard play after play and get after the quarterback.”