Rice ready for senior season as Campbell practices in pads on Monday

By Jim Freeman

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF)- An always smiling Hayden Rice (in photo above) was heading off Reynolds Field at the end of Monday morning’s practice when he spotted me. “Hey, Freeman! Interview me,” shouted Rice.

The veteran Cougar will line up at left guard on offense and play end on defense again this season. “It’s been a tiring off season, but good,” added Rice.

He called Monday’s first practice in pads good but was quick to add that we need to improve. “It’s exciting to be in pads,” said Rice.

“Hayden is a great senior leader, works hard every day, never complains and always has a smile on his face. I love having him around and, hopefully, he has a lot of success his senior year,” said second year head coach Taylor Ownbey.

When asked about goals for the 2026 Cougars, Rice snapped back without hesitation “make the playoffs and beat Clinton”.

“Go! Cougars!,” closed Rice. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/28/2026-6AM)