News:Mario Hull will miss the entire 2012 season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle, the Houston Chronicle reports.
Analysis:Mario Hull was set to play wide receiver and punt returner for the Owls this season. He was fourth on the team in 2011 in receiving yards and receptions. As a punt returner he was fifth in yards per return in C-USA.
News: Look for Mario Hull to gain more of an opportunity to perform against Memphis this week after being a solid performer last week.
Analysis: The Rice coaching staff liked the way he filled in for Randy Kitchens, who was out with an ankle injury against Southern Miss. In a wide-open offense that will be playing from behind, Kitchens holds some sleeper potential.
News: Despite some early camp worries about the team's receiving core, Rice coaches have been pleased with the level of play of Mario Hull, Randy Kitchens and Donte Moore.
Analysis: Remember that the two main pass catchers for Rice are tight ends Luke Willson and Vance McDonald and running back Sam McGuffie. Of these receivers, however, the one to keep an eye on is Kitchens, who has big play ability and finally appears to be healthy. Let the Owls receivers prove themselves first, especially considering their opener is against Texas.
