Justin Rice was in Albuquerque, N.M., when he received a call from SMU Coach Sonny Dykes and defensive coordinator Kevin Kane.
Rice, a standout linebacker from Fresno State, was on his way to Jonesboro to play for Arkansas State University. Dykes and Kane were hoping to change his mind.
" 'What do I do?' " Rice asked his father, Jeff. " 'Do I make a turn and go south, or do I keep heading toward Arkansas?' "
The brief conversation kept Rice heading east, keeping the promise he made to Arkansas State.