Rutgers' Rice turning pro

PISCATAWAY, N.J. (January 8, 2008) – Two-time Rutgers All-America running back Ray Rice (New Rochelle, N.Y.) has elected to forego his final year of eligibility and enter the 2008 NFL Draft. The nation’s third-leading rusher in 2007, Rice rushed for 2,012 yards and scored 25 touchdowns this season to lead Rutgers to its second-consecutive bowl victory.

Rice is the first player in the Greg Schiano era at Rutgers to leave school early and enter the NFL Draft. During Rice’s three-year career in Piscataway, the Scarlet Knights won 26 games and appeared in three bowl games.

“I have always dreamed of playing in the NFL and I felt the time is right to pursue the opportunity to play at the next level,” said Rice. “Playing three years at Rutgers has been the experience of a lifetime. It was amazing to help lead the program to three consecutive bowls and two bowl victories. The bond I have formed with my teammates and coaches is something I will cherish forever. I would like to give a special thanks to Coach Schiano for what he has done for me and my family. Also, to the fans of Rutgers, thank you for the tremendous support I have received during my career.”

Rice’s career “On the Banks” will go down in the history books as one of the best in Rutgers and BIG EAST history. In 38 career games, Rice rushed for 4,926 yards and scored 50 touchdowns (49 rushing). He is the second-leading rusher in BIG EAST history and the all-time leading rusher in Rutgers’ history.

“I am very happy for Ray and his family,” said Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano. “He has been one of the elite players in college football during his career at Rutgers. Although we will miss him greatly, we all look forward to watching him play on Sundays.”

Rice became the first player in Rutgers and BIG EAST history and the 13th player in NCAA history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season with 2,012 in 2007.

In his final game as a Scarlet Knight, he saved his best performance for last, rushing for a school-record 280 yards and four touchdowns, including a 90-yard touchdown run.

Rice leaves Rutgers as the school’s all-time leader in 100-yard games (25), 200-yard games (6), career rushing yards (4,926), career rushing attempts (910), career rushing touchdowns (49), single-season rushing yards (2,012 in 2007), single-season rushing touchdowns (24 in 2007), single-season rushing attempts (380 in 2007), single-game rushing yards (280 vs. Ball State, 2008 International Bowl), single-season scoring (150 points in 2007), single-season all-purpose yards (2,251 in 2007), consecutive 100-yard games (8 in 2007), longest rushing touchdown (90 vs. Ball State, 2008 International Bowl) and tied the school record for longest run from scrimmage (90 vs. Ball State, 2008 International Bowl).

He is second in BIG EAST history in career rushing attempts, career rushing yards, 100-yard games and third in career touchdowns. He is the BIG EAST single-season record holder with 2,012 yards in 2007 and is the only running back in BIG EAST history to lead the conference in rushing in two consecutive seasons.