Three days and 256 names later, the 2015 NFL Draft is in the books.
Rice cornerback Bryce Callahan, a 2010 graduate of Cypress Woods High School, was not among those 256 who heard their name called or saw their name flash at the bottom of the screen on NFL Network's or ESPN's coverage of the draft. However, he did not have to wait long for his chance at the NFL as he will be signing with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He is the first Wildcat alumnus to join a National Football League team, and it is a well-deserved opportunity for
Bryce did come off as a bit of a diva at times, especially on the practice field. I remember Coach Zachos getting on his case for just about everything imaginable. However, when it was time to perform, Bryce instantaneously transformed into the best player on the field. On the field, Bryce did it all: he returned punts, served as the leader of the defense, patrolled the field like a center fielder, delivered big hits to opposing receivers, and on occasion, he'd leave the defense in the dust as he took a Colton Huntsman heave to the end zone for a long touchdown.
At first, I thought that Bryce was too good of a player to end up at Rice, but the allure of an education at such a prestigious school, the opportunity to become a part of something special football-wise, and his accomplishments during his time there turned out to be the rebuttals to my thoughts all those years ago. In his four years as a member of the Rice Owls, Bryce got the opportunity to play in three bowl games (winning two) and was part of a conference championship-winning team. Without a doubt, Bryce Callahan played a crucial role in the revival of the Rice Owls.
Though Bryce and I have gone our separate ways, I'm glad that I can call him a friend, and I'm also glad that I was able to call him a teammate. Congratulations, brother. I hope you have a long and successful career, no matter where it takes you, and we're all going to be rooting for you every step of the way.
Cy Woods accolades
1st-team All-District 15-5A (2008, 2009)
1st-team Associated Press All-State (2009)
Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star (2010)
Honorable Mention Academic All-State (2009)
Honorable Mention Academic All-State (2009)
Career leader in interceptions (13) and kickoff/punt return touchdowns (4 punts returned for TDs)
Rice accolades
Armed Forces Bowl champion (2012)
Conference USA Champion, Liberty Bowl (2013)
Hawaii Bowl champion (2014)
Sporting News Freshman All-American (2011)
2nd-team All-Conference USA (2013, 2014)
All-freshman Conference USA, honorable mention all-conference (2011)
Jim Thorpe Award watch list (2014)
East-West Shrine Game participant (2014)
13 career interceptions (tied for 2nd in school history)
Photo uploaded to Facebook by his mother
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