Jon Duplantier has a chance to be a first-round pick with a strong 2016 campaign. (Rice)

Rice’s Duplantier Doubtful For Week One

Rice hosts in-state rival Texas next weekend in what is the nation’s premier opening weekend series, but likely will have to do so without one of its rising arms in draft-eligible sophomore righthander Jon Duplantier, who’s dealing with some general arm soreness.

“We’ve got to be really careful with Jon, but let’s just say he’s not ready,” Rice coach Wayne Graham said. “It’s not out of the realm of possibility that he pitches next weekend, because he has said he’ll be pitching next weekend, but for now he’s[…]