Of the 18 players signed by new Rice coach Todd Graham, six players stand out as the possible keys to the Owls' transformation from an option-oriented team to a more balanced attack.

Graham inherited 14 offensive linemen and 12 defensive linemen, so the Owls looked elsewhere. For all the help Rice will get from six defensive backs, two linebackers, one running back/linebacker, and one deep snapper in this class, the real intrigue comes from two quarterbacks, four wide receivers and two tight ends.

After 12 seasons in the triple-option flexbone under former coach Ken Hatfield, the Owls are starting over with new offensive coordinator Major Applewhite, the former Texas Longhorns quarterback.

Considering the lack of passing success from current Rice quarterbacks Joel Armstrong and Chase Clement, Rice signed two dual-threat quarterbacks in Pierre Beasley of Houston's Westfield High and Drew Mehringer of Mansfield, Texas.

"(Graham) came and is shaking up things," Beasley told the Houston Chronicle. "You can tell he's ready to go to work. I honestly think we have a chance to turn the program around in one season. Coach Applewhite, I'm just hoping I can pick at his brain and learn a lot from him."

With only eight receivers on the roster, and two of them with any real experience in Jaret Dillard and Mike Falco, the Owls brought in Toren Dixon, Evan Fentriss, Andrew Novak and Corbin Smiter, four prep receivers who combined to catch 231 passes for 3,636 yards and 54 touchdowns as seniors.

"I'm extremely impressed with all the wideouts from the standpoint of not only physically in what they can do catching the football and the experience all four of them have in route running, but the type of guys they are," Applewhite told the Houston Chronicle. "I think they've been molded by their high school experiences."

TOP RECRUITS

Pierre Beasley, QB, Houston/Spring Westfield -- Rice desperately needs quarterbacks who can pass, and Beasley was looking for a place to play as early as possible, so this could be a good mix. Beasley earned All-Greater Houston honors and led the Mustangs to a 12-1 record and the Class 5A state semifinals, completing 70 of 96 passes for 1,479 yards and 18 touchdowns as a senior and rushing for 308 yards and eight TDs.

Evan Fentriss, WR, Southlake, Texas/Carroll -- Rice also desperately needs receivers, and Fentriss helped Carroll to a Class 5A title and a mythical national championship in 2005 by catching 47 passes for 953 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Toren Dixon, WR, Baton Rouge, La./Redemptorist -- Like Fentriss, Dixon is a player who can come in and help Rice become a more balanced team immediately after catching 37 passes for 570 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior.

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