Nathan Rice (Jefferson, S.D.) has signed a letter of intent to continue both his football and baseball career at Northwestern College next fall.

Rice is a 5'11", 170-pound quarterback / running back / safety who completed a standout three-year career playing for the Dakota Valley High School football team. Rice rushed for 2,769 yards and 36 touchdowns his last two seasons (Jr / Sr) in leading his team to a 9-2 record and third place finish at the state tournament. He was named both all-conference and to the Elite 45 of South Dakota team as a senior. Rice accounted for 48 total stops on defense as a junior when he was named all-state and all-conference.

"Nathan has the potential to be a big time playmaker for our offense," said Northwestern Head Coach Matt McCarty. "He just completed a decorated high school career where he led his team to the state playoffs. Nathan has great speed, agility and is a dual-threat out of the backfield. We look forward to the positive impact Nathan will have on our team and on our campus."

Rice has had a stellar career at pitcher, centerfield and shortstop for the Dakota Valley baseball team. At the plate, Rice hit .525 with 14 RBIs, 11 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. He went a perfect 8-0 on the mound, sporting a 2.78 earned run average in 50 innings. Rice totaled 76 strikeouts and just 22 walks, earning first team all-state accolades as a junior in class B. An honors student and member of the Dean's List, Rice plans to major in Business at Northwestern. He is the son of Dan and Angie Pollema and Tyler Rice.