HIGH SCHOOL: Rice was a four-year letterman and three-year starter at both Knoxville Catholic and Karns High School. He led his team in pancake blocks for two consecutive years and was a part of the top rushing offense in the state of Tennessee (5A). He was named overall player of the game once, offensive player of the game twice, and offensive lineman of the week 11 times. Rice was also a first-team all-region selection and a member of the Pilot Rivalry Showcase All-Star Team.

PERSONAL: The son of Alex and Heather Rice, Garrett plans to study exercise science at Carson-Newman. His father, Alex, played football at NC State and for the NY Jets. Garrett was on the academic honor roll and received a Chemistry Honors Award. He was recruited by Air Force, Furman, ETSU, UVA-Wise, Bluefield State, Austin Peay, and Cumberlands, but chose Carson-Newman for its outstanding coaches, commitment to excellence, amazing football tradition with supported facilities, Christian-centric community, and academic curriculum that aligns with his career passion.