LEXINGTON ? Kentucky incoming freshman Barry Rice has been named as one of 100 Freshmen to Keep an Eye On by collegesoccernews.com, it was announced Wednesday.

Rice, a native of Parma, Ohio, has the opportunity to make an impact immediately on a Wildcat defense that lost four-year starters Brandon Stewart and Thomas Senecal from last year?s squad. He earned All-America honors as a senior after anchoring a defense that allowed only eight goals en route to a perfect 23-0 record and the Ohio State Championship.

Rice is one of two high school All-American?s in UK?s freshman class, joining Des Moines, Iowa, native Mark Halma.

It is the third straight year collegesoccernews.com has recognized a UK freshman as a potential impact player. Prior to the 2004 season, current juniors Andrew Alexander and Nathan Marks were noted. Last year, current sophomore Masumi Turnbull was tabbed.

Kentucky opens its season at home on Aug. 25 against Florida Atlantic in the University of Kentucky Invitational.