The man behind the mask: Darik Dillard

Every year, we learn their names, their numbers and their stats. If we're lucky, we see their personality shine through after a big play or during the slice of a quote in the newspaper.

The men in Rice Owls jerseys are more than a number in a program or a group of men trying to reach another bowl game. They are student athletes with stories waiting to be told. Each week, the Houston Chronicle will feature another football player. This is the "man behind the mask."

Darik Dillard, Jr., RB

Height/weight: 5-10, 205.

If I weren't playing football, I'd be studying architecture.

My favorite part of Rice is the network I'll have after college.

My favorite meal my mom makes is chicken parmesan.

I chose Rice because Coach Bailiff and his staff and the education.

The toughest part about being a student athlete is getting sleep.

I wish I could be smarter.

My best stress reliever is watching Animal Planet and the Discovery Channel.

On game day, I listen to opera and soul.

My favorite super hero is Superman.

Nothing pumps me up more on game day than pregame meditation.

My celebrity crush is ... don't need one.

Something you should know about this team is we really treat each other as brothers.

The person who motivates me most is my brother.

Rice football is my family.