Transfer Portal Linebacker Rodney Groce Jr. Commits to Lane Kiffin, Ole Miss
OXFORD, Miss. — The Ole Miss football team is close to kick-off on August 31st, and things are amped up — not just out in Oxford but also in the transfer portal where head coach Lane Kiffin continues to gather talent. Late Wednesday afternoon, the Rebels received another commit in the form of former UTSA linebacker Rodney Groce, Jr. He’s another experienced athlete who will bring a ton to the table for one of this season’s most talked about defensive units.
— Rodney Groce Jr (@rodneygroce_) October 28, 2022
Groce has had his fair share of stops, but he has grown and developed. Out of high school, he was committed to and attended Mississippi State. After one season, he headed out west to Arizona State before returning back to Mississippi where he spent time at East Mississippi Community College.
Groce then returned back to the DI ranks in San Antonio for the Roadrunners at UTSA. While he hasn’t had a lot of eyes on him, he brings a skill-set that will be welcome in Oxford.
The Pleasant Years
Groce was a three-star prospect out of Pleasant Grove High School in Alabama under head coach Darrell LeBeaux. He was a Top 30 prospect in the state rankings, as well as the No. 24 athlete and No. 30 linebacker in his class.
During his senior campaign, Groce helped his team finish with a 13-3 record en route to the Alabama HSAA Class 5A state runner up spot. He totaled 134 tackles 34.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks. He also had 9 pass breakups, 21 quarterback hurries, 4 forced fumbles one interception and one fumble recovery.
Starkville to Tempe
As a Bulldog, Groce saw action in one game in the 2020 season and played four games in 2021. He later made his way out to Tempe, but only made a brief stop for the spring practice action.
Back to the Sip
In 2022, Groce headed back to East Mississippi where he started to make some noise — earning 2022 All MACCC North Division Honorable Mention. He was the team’s third-leading tackler with 71 stops this past season. He recorded 6.5 tackles for loss, along with two interceptions and two fumble recoveries. He posted consecutive double-digit tackles and notched his season-high with 12 stops against NECC. Another notable moment was his 22-yard pick-six in EMCC’s 36-28 road win over NWCC in the MACCC Championship game.
Fast Times In San Antonio
This past season, Groce returned to the DI ranks, heading to the Alamo City where he finished with 12 total tackles, 6 solos, 6 assists and one pass deflection.
Welcome to the Sip
The Rebels are fortunate to be able to add an experienced linebacker such as Groce. He will reunite with Ole Miss analyst Zach Arnett who was on the Mississippi State staff in 2020 during Groce’s time in Starkville. He will arrive with two years eligibility remaining.
Welcome to Ole Miss, Rodney!
Lee Ann Herring-Olvedo
Lee Ann is the Director of Recruiting for The Rebel Walk. She is a veteran SEC sports journalist and NFL content writer. She is also the Sr. Editor for MESPORTS digital. Herring-Olvedo is a Brown University graduate who loves good cigars, good games, and a smooth glass of bourbon — not necessarily in that order.
