Ryan Dunleavy

Staff writer

FLORHAM PARK - The hype surrounding the Rutgers Football Tri-State Showcase was so big that even Ray Rice felt he had to check it out.

The best player in modern program history roamed the grounds Wednesday night at Farleigh Dickinson University as nearly 1,000 high school players, including most of the top talent in New Jersey, worked out in front of the coaching staffs for Rutgers, Ohio State, Temple and about 40 other schools.

“First and foremost, I love kids, and I love to see them get ready for the next level," Rice told Gannett New Jersey.

"Obviously these camps allow these kids to go against the best. The greatest part about this is the fundamentals. With the game of football now being a lot different, they get to actually be taught certain things that if you want to play at the collegiate level, you’re going to get it out here."

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While Rice reunited with former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano — who was at the camp in his new role as Ohio State defensive coordinator — the three-time NFL Pro Bowl running back also exchanged a hug with first-year Rutgers coach Chris Ash.

“I met Coach Ash and we’ve been in contact," Rice said. "I love what he’s building for Rutgers. I think it’s a very special deal. There is no coincidence that Ohio State and Rutgers are here today. They are going to run their programs on a very tight ship and the kids will get a lot out of it. More importantly, they’ll be great football players but they’ll be better men.”

Rice slowly has re-emerged in the public spotlight as the teller of a cautionary tale. He most recently advised rookies for the Baltimore Ravens, the same organization from which he was released in September 2014 after the public saw tapes of a domestic violence incident with his wife in the elevator of an Atlantic City casino.

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Rutgers' all-time leading rusher addressed the football team before the 2015 spring game at the invitation of then-coach Kyle Flood, a former Schiano assistant.

Ash has made it a priority to reach out to alums of the program now that there are no longer any Schiano-era ties, and the likes of Eric LeGrand, Ray Lucas, Brian Leonard, Kevin Malast and Pete Tverdov also appeared at the camp.

“He definitely welcomed me around the program," Rice said. "I’ll be going out there this summer and talking with the guys, trying to not just be a pop-up shop but be more interactive with them.

"We know the nature of this business, but at the same time that doesn’t stop the personal relationships with all the coaches that have gone and came through Rutgers University. Coach Ash and his staff are part of ‘R’ family, and I appreciate them welcoming me back into the ‘R’ family.”

The sight of the former leader of that family — Schiano — wearing Ohio State gear still jarred Rice.

“I’m glad he chose another color that has red in it," Rice joked. "At the same time, from what he’s been in throughout his coaching career, it’s a blessing to see him back where he belongs — and he belongs coaching. He knows that I’m with him for the long haul."

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Way back when in 2004, Rice was a lightly recruited three-star recruit from New York uncovered by Schiano after a Syracuse decommitment.

"It was a lot different in my era," Rice said. "I went to one camp, I think. It was Penn State. And obviously you do everything there, but it’s only one school. Look at this place. I can’t tell you how many colleges are out here but it’s a pretty nice turnout."

Like so many others, Rice believes that the key to Rutgers' success is recruiting New Jersey. Six of the top 20 rated prospects in the class of 2017 are Rutgers commits.

“I see the guys coming in," Rice said. "If we keep our in-state guys in Jersey, I think that’s the way to win. Obviously recruiting is part of the deal and there is so much talent out there. You have to get the guys who fit your program. I think Coach is doing a great job of that so far.”

Rice, who is expecting a second child with his wife, hasn't played a NFL game in the last two seasons as he was denied a second chance despite accepting responsibility for his actions and trying to inspire others to make better decisions.

Still, he was a major hit with the high school crowd clamoring for high-fives in between drill reps.

“It makes you feel like a little kid again," Rice said. "It never gets old. Genuine love. It just shows that in our game the impact that you can have on them is a lasting one. That’s what keeps me focused and keeps me on the grind – to go out there and be a role model for them.”

Staff Writer Ryan Dunleavy: rdunleavy@gannettnj.com