By Sterling Raynor
On the football field, Jaron Rice’s size – 6’5” and 345 pounds – is an important part of why he is successful. Off the field, however, his personality is his chief weapon.
In addition to being a starting offensive lineman for the Falcons, Rice is a DJ in his spare time. Known as “Big Rice,” the junior from Lawrenceville, VA, can often be seen spinning records at campus events.
A criminal justice major, Rice transferred to Saint Augustine’s from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington City, VA, after getting a football scholarship here. He didn’t realize that he had a passion for being a DJ until he was 20 years old, but now he’s hooked.
“Being a DJ stood out to me when I found out I could present various artists’ music in my own unique way,” Rice said.
Once he started to become adapted to the Falcon family, he started DJ for many activities for the institution. Many student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, call upon Big Rice to DJ for activities and events throughout the school year.
“I love being a DJ for the various organizations on campus because each event I perform at gives me a great opportunity to get promoted and to receive good networking opportunities,” he said.
Rice acknowledges that campus social life could be a little livelier but it doesn’t bother him.
“It could be better,” he said, “but, at the end of the day, no matter what you do life is what you make it.”
Students seem to like Big Rice’s style. “Even when you’re down he can make you smile, said Avon Thomas, a senior majoring in journalism and mass communications.
When Rice graduates, he plans on pursing his music career and expanding the “DJ Big Rice” not only on a local level but on a national level as well.
