2024 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Devin Rice, DL, University of Northern Iowa

- Name: Devin Rice
- Position: DL
- College: University of Northern Iowa
- Height: 6’5”
- Weight: 260 lbs
- Twitter: @dr2szn
What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?
I just fell in love with the game growing up watching it and when I played I loved it even more.
What are your favorite moments from your football life?
The first time I scored a touchdown and my first collegiate sack.
Which one of your family members inspires you the most and why?
My mother because I watched her work so hard for me and my sister and that let me see how hard you have to work to do things.
What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?
Do what I need to do for the team, play my role, get a lot of big plays, hard hits and big sacks.
If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?
Micah Parsons, I want to work out with him and pick his brain. See how he makes so many big plays and see what his preparation for a game is like.
What are your favorite things about playing football for Northern Iowa?
Our team is like a brotherhood. We come from everywhere and come together as one and work very hard.
What should we know about Devin Rice the person?
I’m a pretty funny guy. Personable to teammates, love making kids happy and I’m more than an athlete.
What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?
Traditional 4-3 on a typical 4 man front, one on one when I can get a rush on a tackle on the quarterback’s blindside.
How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?
I talk to my family, my parents, sisters and my teammates they are always there for me.
What would a team get in a player like you?
A big physical presence who is willing to do anything to help the team win who will play on the defensive line, linebacker and even tight end.
What stands out about your film the most?
A relentless pass rush and a guy who is going to get to the quarterback, good speed off the edge, good hands and good in coverage.
Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?
Cartez Crook-Jones and Warren Peeples, just because of their past schools they didn’t play a lot but they are really good players.
Writer/Scout/Interviewer for Draft Diamonds since January 2020. You can find me on X at @jrberendzen and Instagram at justinberendzen