The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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COMMITMENT PROFILE at linebacker — where he made 107 total tackles, including three sacks as a junior — he's also capable of carrying the ball or blocking as a fullback. He ran 42 times for 297 yards (7.1 yards per carry) and seven touchdowns for the Falcons during his junior cam- paign. "He's got good straight-ahead speed at that position," Rivals.com Midwest recruiting analyst Josh Helmholdt said. "He can definitely hit a hole. He's not real laterally agile — he's not going to make people miss in the open field — but he's quick- twitch. He's just more straight ahead." His primary position, however, re- mains linebacker. It's a testament to his work ethic and improvement at that position that — after more than two years on the U-M radar — he worked his way into an offer from Michigan. Reese is a player who has bettered his game at every step along the way. "One of his biggest strengths is that nobody's going to outwork that kid," Helmholdt said. "He's always in the weight room, speed training, trying to get better. He's a fearless football player. At middle linebacker, you want a guy who's going to stick his nose in there. He hits like a ton of bricks and is one of the bigger hitters I've covered in this class. He's a better athlete than people realize." Reese waited for an offer that never came from the previous Michigan staff, but when Harbaugh and his coaches arrived, he earned what he'd been working for all along. He fits the mold of a Harbaugh player, wherever he ultimately lines up on the field. — Tim Sullivan FILM EVALUATION Strengths: Reese is a tough, hard-nosed inside linebacker who has the straight-line athleticism to burst into the backfield and make tackles for loss. He diagnoses plays very well, and has a natural feel for the game that can't be taught. He is a big hitter who makes backs think twice about running his way. He also shows off as a fullback on offense — a possibility for his Michigan ca- reer — where his toughness translates to both sides of the ball. His work either at either position is a major strength. Areas Of Improvement: Reese doesn't have ideal height, so he has to work harder than more naturally blessed players to stay in game shape and maintain flexibility while adding mass to his frame. He is improving in his change of di- rection and pass coverage, but has more room to continue that. Michigan Player Comparison — David Harris (2002-06): Like Harris, Reese doesn't have the enormous stature or pure athleticism of the top football pros- pects. However, toughness and game savvy can make up for a lot of that, and if Reese can follow Harris' path to the NFL (where he's been an All-Pro for the New York Jets), fans and the Michigan coaching staff will be pleased. — Analysis from TheWolverine.com