Interview: 2022 WR Reggie Fleurima is Drawing a College Crowd at Naperville Central
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
College football coaches are falling in love with Class of 2022 receiver Reggie Fleurima, and for good reason, he can play. The 6-2, 200-pound, target has formed an on the field chemistry with quarterback Sam Jackson that is drawing national attention to the field at Naperville Central High School. Fleurima’s freshman campaign with Naperville North a year ago laid the foundation after a 19-reception 198-yard season. Now Fleurima is one of the top recruiting prospects in the state of Illinois with six Division-I offers on the table from Cincinnati, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Purdue, and Virginia Tech.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Fleurima and I cover a lot of ground from the Redhawks challenging start to the season to his growth on the field with an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Reggie, how has the 2019 season started out for you on the field?
“We are 0-3. We have had a tough start, but it has been good for us. We have been humbled. Since our loss in Week 1 to Hinsdale Central (14-6), we have made strides as a team. We played against one of the best teams in the state in Week 2 (Lincoln-Way East – lost 31-10). We are getting better.
“Now we are going into conference. We have grown as a team. This week, this will be the week we come together as a team and play our best. We did not show up in first half last week against Pickerington Central, but in the second half we looked way better than we have played so far this season. If we can play like that for four quarters, we will have different outcome from here on out.”
I like your perspective. What style of offense are you guys executing?
“We are in a Spread.”
You are lining up on the outside within the Redhawks offense, what are some of your favorite routes to run within the offense?
“I like posts, those are my favorites. My quarterback, Sam Jackson, he is good at hitting me on that route. We also run a lot of streaks or a go-ball routes. I am playing some tight end too this season. That will help me get the ball more. We just made that change.”
Your speed shows on your game tape. What is the fastest time you’ve put down?
“At Northcentral College, they are a D-III college, I went to one of the camps held there. I ran a 4.5 at their camp.”
Which other college camps did you compete at this summer?
“I went to Notre Dame, Northcentral camps three days in a row, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Iowa State, and Michigan State.”
From all the instruction received at the various camps, what did you learn this helping you this season?
“At the Notre Dame camp, it was really competitive. There were a lot of top recruits there. I was playing against guys who had Notre Dame offers already. I got an idea of what it takes to get an offer from Notre Dame. Watching them play, that helped me. I learned from the older kids at that camp. I knew going in I was going to learn a lot from the kids at that camp.”
Again, I like your perspective and approach on this. Where are you seeing the biggest improvements in your game after all the hard work put in over the offseason?
“My speed and strength are showing a lot of improvement. I got faster over the offseason. I feel way faster than last season. My strength had improved a lot. I went from 175 pounds to 200 this season. I am way bigger and more explosive. I am more confident with a full year of varsity behind me. I am more mature and disciplined than last year.”
What goals have you set forth for yourself?
“I focus more on the team with goals. My personal goals are to be coachable, disciplined, and a great teammate. If I do that, everything will fall into place.”
Which schools are showing interest in your talents?
“Wisconsin came in on their bye week. They talked to Sam Jackson and I. They said we were at the top of their radar. Cincinnati came back to visit with me at school. They have been to our school a few times.”
How many offers are you holding?
“I have six offers.”
*Oregon State offered after the interview; seven total offers
Have you visited any campuses beyond the camps attended this summer?
“Yes. Illinois and Purdue offered on visits on the same weekend and on the same day. I went to Minnesota last winter; they offered over the summer. They were my very first visit. I went to Virginia Tech at the end of July.”
Tell me about the Virginia Tech trip.
“It was great. They were my first offer. It was May 22; I remember the day. We were working out before school. They were watching us. Their offensive coordinator offered me on the spot. That was a great feeling. After that, we set up a date to visit. That visit was a great experience. I loved the school.”
Are there any visits coming up this fall?
“I will try to go to Wisconsin for a game. Missouri wants me to visit. Cincinnati is another visit I may take.”
Reggie, thanks for your time today. I hope you and the Redhawks have a successful run the rest of the season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Fleurima family; Reggie Fleurima at Virginia Tech