Mershawn Rice is part of an enticing foursome of receivers in the Class of 2019. And he is excited to see what he can contribute.

Rice was a standout at Reynoldsburg High in Reynoldsburg, Ohio--a suburb of Columbus. As a senior, the rangy Rice caught 22 passes for 462 yards. He also played defensive back for a team that went 10-2 in 2018, advancing to the second round of the Division I state playoffs.

GoldandBlack.com caught up with Rice for an Entrance Interview.

GoldandBlack.com: Why did you sign with Purdue?

Rice: I wanted to be part of the change in culture at Purdue. The staff seems like it’s really into changing the culture. It’s something you really want to be part of.

GoldandBlack.com: You are part of a touted group of freshman wideouts. How excited are you to play with guys like David Bell, TJ Sheffield and Milton Wright?

Rice: It’s definitely going to be a great time. I know all of us are working on our craft every day, preparing for the next level. We are all great players. We want to do what we can to help the team win from Day One and do what the team needs us to do.

GoldandBlack.com: If not Purdue, who would you have signed with?

Rice: I would have gone to IU, Pitt or Kentucky

GoldandBlack.com: Were you recruited by Ohio State?

Rice: I had a few conversations with Ohio State. I went to a couple of their camps. But to be honest, I wasn’t really looking to be staying in Ohio. At some point, I wasn’t as interested as I used to be.

GoldandBlack.com: Did Ohio State offer you?

Rice: No. But they talked about it a lot.

GoldandBlack.com: How would you describe your style?

Rice: People don’t know this about me, but I am a very athletic player. They may not realize it or see it. My vertical is high. I have a good shuttle time. I am an athletic player who wants to do anything to help the team win. Just make plays, really.

GoldandBlack.com: What is your time in the 40?

Rice: The best I had was almost two years ago was a 4.5. My best shuttle was 3.98. I had a 38 vertical about a year ago.

GoldandBlack.com: What is your height and weight?

Rice: 6-2, 190.

GoldandBlack.com: What is your bench and squat?

Rice: Most I have squatted is 385 bench.I bench 240.

GoldandBlack.com: Do you know if the plan is to play you this fall or redshirt you?

Rice: I haven’t been told. I want to play. I am not planning on redshirting. As much work as I am putting in, I’m gonna find a way to get on the field. I know there is a lot of competiton. But I know the type of player I am. I put in a lot of work and work so hard that I feel I will be able to play the first year.

GoldandBlack.com: Will you be upset if you redshirt?

Rice: Yes, I would be. I would feel I didn’t work hard enough.

GoldandBlack.com: Have you sustained any serious injuries?

Rice: I fractured a growth plate twice my sophomore year and strained my hip flexor as a junior.

GoldandBlack.com: Do you play any other sports?

Rice: No, but I play basketball for fun. I grew up playing soccer, tennis, taekwondo. I did a lot of sports but was only dedicated to football.

GoldandBlack.com: Do you have any siblings?

Rice: I have a little brother who is 1.

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GoldandBlack.com: What does your mother do?

Rice: My mom is store manager.

GoldandBlack.com: There are a few incoming freshmen from the Columbus area. Do you know any of them?

Rice: Dontay (Hunter). We played a few times. We know each other.

GoldandBlack.com: Do you know what number you will wear?

Rice: Not sure yet. Anything under 10. If not, I am cool with anything under 20.

GoldandBlack.com: Do you have any non-sports talents?

Rice: Everything I have done has been sports-related.

GoldandBlack.com: Who are your favorite NFL players?

Rice: Julio Jones is my favorite NFL player. I also liked Adrian Peterson. They were my two favorites.

GoldandBlack.com: Do you think you'll change positions?

Rice: I don’t think I will switch. I will be a receiver for sure.

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