Photo Credit: Riley Martin – Thomasville Times Enterprise
JT Rice broke the Thomasville school record last weekend throwing for 428 yards in route to a blowout victory over a talented Monroe squad. The game ended 45-7, and was the 3rd game in a row that Thomasville has won over a higher classification opponent; every game (Thomas County Central & Cairo) resulting in a blow out. During that span they have outscored opponents 123 to 22, and this run has vaulted them to #2 in our Power Rankings for Class AA.
The most exciting play from last week’s game was JT Rice’s scramble out of the pocket. He then heaved the ball across his body 57 yards on a line where he hit a wide receiver perfectly in stride. The tough QB stood tall and took a big shot right after the throw as well, but his amazing arm strength came through with an aerial strike indefensible for the Monroe defense.
Breaking the Thomasville single game passing record is quite the feat for Rice, especially against a higher classification opponent. Throughout the early season success, the senior has remained humble, and is just taking it all in stride.
“It feels great to break the passing yard record here at the school, because there have been many great quarterbacks that have come through Thomasville High, like Mike Bobo, so knowing that my name is up there with the greats, and is in the record books forever is a great feeling.”
A lot has changed in the last year for Rice, who has always displayed a powerful FBS caliber arm. Last year he was over double digit in interceptions, so working on decision making was a major focus this offseason.
“I believe I have mostly improved my focus and my awareness on the field and my decision making during the game,” Rice said. “My biggest strength is my arm. I have a strong arm the allows me to throw balls where most QB’s cannot.”
Rice does not believe he is just a pocket passer though. In his Week 3 Top Play he shows that innate ability to feel pressure inside the pocket and buy himself and his receivers more time to get open down field.
The 2018 signal-caller models his game after arguably the greatest college and the greatest NFL quarterbacks of all time. “I model my game after Tim Tebow, because he is very passionate like me and he’s not scared to run people over. He also is very energetic, and he’s a great person. I would say we are a lot alike. I also model my game after Tom Brady because he is not scared of any opponent he plays. He is very poised in the pocket and stays in to throw the ball not caring if he’s gonna get hit.”
Thomasville’s amazing start to the season is certainly turning heads and the school has not reached success of these heights since the early 90’s. So it was surprising to hear their strong-armed senior, who is ranked the #25 QB on our website, has not heard from many colleges, and unfortunately has no fall visits planned at this moment.
That’s not stopping the senior, who has seen a fire light in his belly after his team’s 3-0 start to the year. “We are undefeated right now and I plan to stay that way. My goal for this season is to keep putting up good numbers and for us to win state,” Rice said emphatically.
Winning is the biggest cure to all ailments, including undiscovered talent on teams in lower classifications. If Rice can continue his meteoric rise in Class AA, he will certainly garner more college interest, especially once they take note of the cannon attached to his right shoulder.
But for now, the senior remains in recruiting anonymity, which is fine for the time being. Rice can continue to focus on making a run at an allusive state championship, and continue to enjoy the energy and excitement that the Thomasville community brings on a Friday night.
Interested in recruiting JT Rice? Click here to visit his Hudl page until we have his RG Profile set up.
