Give Rice credit for one of the most creative recruiting pitches ever.

According to John Granato, the father of Kinkaid quarterback J.T. Granato, the Owls sent a recruiting letter this week addressed to Kitty Granato (real name White Sox) … J.T.’s cat.

The letter, from co-offensive coordinator Billy Lynch, read:

“As you know we’re trying to convince J.T. Rice is the place for him. I know you’d like to keep him close so he can feed you and change the litter box. Please help us to get him to choose us. Paw me if you have any questions.”

Well, guess what? Granato committed to the Owls on Thursday.

“Officially committed to Rice … can’t wait for what lies ahead,” J.T. Granato posted on Twitter.

Last season, Granato led Kinkaid to an unbeaten season and the Southwest Preparatory Conference championship. He threw for 3,500 yards with 42 touchdowns and only nine interceptions in 11 games.

The 6-3, 205-pound Granato also had an offer from Houston and was receiving interest from Maryland, Indiana, Kansas and Southern Miss.

“We were thinking about the next 40 years, not just the next four years,” John Granato said of Rice’s academic prestige and decision to commit to the Owls.

Here is John Granato’s tweet about Rice’s letter and his son’s decision: