Interview: 2020 Long Beach Poly RB Malachi Rice Nearing 1,000-Yard Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
At Long Beach High School, Malachi Rice is making the most of his senior season on the gridiron. After a junior season playing behind three-star 2019 running back Malcolm Perry at Downey High School, Rice is forging a path forward with the Jackrabbits that is leading to an explosive run in the California high school playoffs.
At Long Beach High School, Malachi Rice is making the most of his senior season on the gridiron. After a junior season playing behind three-star 2019 running back Malcolm Perry at Downey High School, Rice is forging a path forward with the Jackrabbits that is leading to an explosive run in the California high school playoffs.
The breakout season for Rice was one that has been building for some time, all that was needed was the right opportunity. That fit is happening in Long Beach against top Division I competition with the 5-10, 198-pound, back rushing for an estimated stat line of 900-plus yards with 13 trips into the end zone. Rounding out his speed and power, Rice is a threat out of the backfield in the passing game as well.
The historic Long Beach Poly program has put together a 6-3 season thus far with an end of regular season game coming up on Friday in a showdown against Lakewood. The team is on a five-game winning streak, and to hear Rice talk about it, the team is firing at a peak just before the playoffs.
For an update on the Jackrabbits and his season, I sat down with Rice for an RNG exclusive interview.
Interview
Malachi, the Jackrabbits have not backed down from any challengers this season playing a tough schedule. How has the season gone overall so far?
“Overall, it has gone pretty good. We could have done better in our first four game (Punahou), but we had to practice harder. We needed more discipline. That first one was hard, other than that our season has been good this year.”
Your squad has won five in a row. What has been working so well for you guys over the winning streak?
“We have balanced the run and passing game. We were more reliant on the run game early in the season. After the Millikan game, we were relying on our receivers more. That opened up the defenses more. That has helped me get my yards and touchdowns.”
How has the season gone for you out of the backfield?
“Pretty good. We have five running backs; we’ve had depth this season. We are rotating guys into the games. That is saving me for the playoff run.”
The wheels on you show out on game film. How fast are you?
(Laughs) “Last time I ran a 40, I was at a 4.49 – 4.48. In track, I run the 300-meter hurdles. I did not do it last year because of the transfer rule so I focused on football. I should be getting back to track this spring.”
Which areas of your game are jumping forward as the season progresses?
“The biggest improvements for me this season are reading the holes and following my blocks better. On my breakaway runs, you can see that on film. I am getting better acceleration going through the hole breaking long runs.”
Is there an area to your game that may get overlooked?
“My ability on third or fourth and short to get the hard yards when everyone knows we are running it. That may get overlooked.”
Have you made any trips for a game day experience this fall?
“Yes. I made a trip to San Diego State for a game invite.”
Tell me about that experience.
“It was cool. We went on the field and we ate. I took my teammate (LB) Marcelle Logan with me. We watched the game and talked to the coaches; it was a cool experience.”
The regular season finale is on Friday against Lakewood (4-5). What kind of game are you expecting against the Lancers’ defense?
“They run a five-man front. I may get more passes out of the backfield. Once they open up, we will run it on them. It’ll be a good game. I know some of the coaches on the Lakewood staff; it should be a good game.”
What will that moment be like for you, as a senior, taking the field one more time during the regular season?
“It will be surreal. I’ve played football for so long… one last run. I will give it my everything.”
Malachi, I appreciate you updating me on your season. Good luck on Friday and in the playoffs.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: All In Press/Mr. Napalan; Malachi Rice in action (2019)