Gaining admittance into Rice University as an undergrad is so hard that head coach Mike Bloomgren jokingly said, “To get into Rice as an undergrad you need to have cured cancer or written three children’s books by the age of 12,” when recalling his first interaction with running back Ari Broussard in 2018. 

Broussard sent his film from Lusher High School in New Orleans to the Rice coaching staff ahead of a college visit. He was already admitted into Rice, and countless other universities, but he wanted to find a possible home as a walk-on football player. Broussard was an honorable mention all-state selection as a senior. He also sported a 4.2 GPA and a 33 on his ACT. 

“Since second grade my goals were always to be a doctor and reach the NFL,” Broussard said. “Rice gave me the best opportunity to pursue both of those because it is a top academic university that plays FBS football.”

The first year was challenging. Rice is an expensive university, and Broussard was playing out of position at linebacker. He fancied himself a running back, and he approached Bloomgren with the idea of a position move in the spring of 2019. Bloomgren relented, and Broussard played well enough at running back during those spring practices to earn a scholarship. 

“Honestly, I was preparing to transfer (if I wasn’t placed on scholarship) because my parents couldn’t afford Rice,” Broussard admitted. “I came here for one year trying to get a scholarship. Coach Bloom announced that I’d be on athletic scholarship after the spring game, and it honestly changed my life.” 

Broussard proved himself worthy of a scholarship, but now he needed to earn playing time. He was a reserve in 2019 who played in 10 games on special teams. His breakout performance was in 2020 in an upset win over Marshall when he carried the ball on 12 of the last 13 plays. Broussard led Rice in rushing in 2021 while averaging 4.9 yards a carry. He enters 2022 as the face of Rice’s rushing attack. 

“I’m keeping the same mindset that got me here,” he said. “In my mind, I’m still a walk-on.”