Nazareth Academy with a big-time newcomer into the P5 recruiting space? No surprises there. B1G, ACC, Big12, SEC, and PAC12 (?) suitors have yet another reason to come to LaGrange Park, and his name is Garrett Reese! It’s been a steady and consistent climb with Reese’s recruiting stock, which began last May with a Ball State and has since devolved into multiple P5 opportunities, all of which have rolled in since December 8th. After the aforementioned Ball State offer, Akron offered up during the season in September, setting up his early December blow up. Starting with Cal-Berkeley on the 8th, Cincinnati, Miami (OH), Grambling State, Bowling Green State, Toledo, Eastern Michigan, and most recently Indiana all joined the fray. Now, the 6’2.5″, 175 lb. DB has a more than healthy offer sheet going into spring and junior day visits, and with the Hoosiers recently offering, I think some more regional P5 competitors are bound to get involved.

The 2x 5A state champ does some good things on both sides of the ball, but I like him more as a defensive back, where he’s a big-bodied cornerback with a balanced skillset out on the perimeter. As a CB, Reese is a ballhawk when playing off-man coverage, and is patient in his read steps, shows good burst out of his breaks with noticeable pace, and he does a good job of working front-to-back in zone and can make plays on the ball as the underneath defender. Plus, he shows no qualms when coming up and laying a strong tackle in run support. Also productive on the offensive side of the ball as a WR, I like his concentration and big catch radius that can reel in tough and inaccurate receptions away from his body, and he’s a smooth and silky route runner who does a good job of disguising where he is planning on ending up. Additionally, he’s quick after the catch and a willing and effective blocker out in space. Reese is a good athlete at his size who can do some damage and impact the pass game as both a WR and CB. No wonder some high-powered suitors are getting involved.

In Reese’s sophomore season, he showed flashes on both sides of the ball that he’s sure to build upon this upcoming season. Reese has an long frame, standing at 6’2, 175 lbs and possesses elite speed and athleticism that will only improve as he gets older. He is a true athlete, as his clips at both corner and wide receiver were just a sign on things to come. On defense, Reese breaks on the ball with ease and has to speed to take it to the house for six. He is not afraid to stick his nose in and make open field tackles either. On offense, Reese is a smooth route runner who has soft hands. He can weave in and out of breaks fluidly and breaks off routes at the perfect time to create separation. Reese is poised for a breakout junior year as his stock is on the rise.