Interview: 3-Star 2021 ATH/WR Bryson Reeves Pushing Towards 1,000-Yard Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All the pieces of future success were out there in the open for all to see during the 2018 season for St. Francis High School. The Golden Knights were a team on the rise a year ago with underclassmen talent ready to take over. That promise is coming to fruition this season with the team posting a 4-1 record led on both sides of the ball by rising three-star recruiting talent Bryson Reeves.
One could not escape a Golden Knights game last season without hearing Reeves’ name. On offense he shinned hauling in 34 passes for 702 yards with eight scores. He chipped in 10 tackles on defense and covered ground on special teams taking eight kicks back 113 yards and eight punts for 155 more yards.
The 6-3, 185-pound, skill player is back at it playing in all three phases for St. Francis. As a defender, he has 16 tackles, 12 solo, and two interceptions. He continues to impress on special teams with 11 punt returns for 133 yards with one taken back to the house. Where the PA announcer gets the most work in-games is when Reeves is lining up on offense. He has snagged 26 passes for 508 yards with five touchdowns and carried the rock four times for 24 yards with another six going up on the board.
Reeves’ on the field heroics is drawing next level interest from UCLA, Oregon State, Washington State, Nevada, Fresno State, and Northwestern. To cover it all – recruiting and his impact junior season, we sat down for an in-depth interview.
Interview
Bryson, the Golden Knights have steamrolled out of the gates scoring 34 points per game. What are you guys doing leading to the big scoring opportunities?
“Everyone is doing everything well. They are all doing their job. The pass game opens up the run and the run opens up pass. Our offensive line is doing really well with their run and pass blocking. We have a lot of juniors on the line showing out. I credit a lot to our young QB, Jack Clougherty.”
You are a dangerous weapon on the gridiron with the ball in your hands. Your speed stands out, what is the best-timed run you have posted?
“My best track time is an 11.30 (100m) my sophomore year. All my hand-timed 40-yard dashes have been under 4.5. I am hoping to be in the 4.4 range right now.”
How are the coaches getting the ball into your hands this season?
“We are targeting the weak spot on the defense. We will run a deep corner on a 5-route or a 3-route, you have to run crisp routes. In man-on-man, I will run a 9-route run down and catch it. If they are coming hard on the run, I will go on a hot 2-route looking to get yards after the catch. My goal is 10 yards per catch on average with over 8 yards after contact. My goal is to never go down on first contact.”
What are some of the main routes you like to run?
“My favorite is the 6-route. I love reading the defense and finding the hole. I can settle in or go straight across. The great thing, no matter what the defense is you can get open and that is all that I need.”
How are defenses covering you?
“I’m seeing a lot of man coverage with a safety on top. I am getting double-teamed. When our coach sees that, we run a Z-bubble or Z-route then hit them with a deep ball.”
There is no fear for you when you take back kicks. What is your mindset on special teams, especially on punt return?
“The mindset on punt return is you cannot run side to side, you’ll only get two more guys on you going either way. Once I see a hole, I go. The goal is to get as many yards as I can. I am a hit the hole guy. If I hit it, I will get the yards I need to get.”
Five games into the 2019 season, what do you feel are the overall strengths to your game on offense?
“The biggest strengths are my size and my focus on the ball. No matter who is covering me, if the ball is in the air, I will go get it. I will be the first to go get it. My speed has improved a lot over the last year. My speed has improved my route running.”
You also spend time on defense. How does that rotation into the secondary work and where all are you lining up?
“On defense, we play a lot of man. I am usually lined up on their best receiver. My goal is to not let them catch the ball, especially on blitzes. If we are not in man, I have the flats and I come up on the run to contain and push it back inside. I have stepped into that role as a linebacker/corner.”
Which areas of your game are showing the most improvement on defense this season?
“Technique. I have been focused on not being beaten on the inside or on double moves. Last season I was allowing the reception and focused on making the tackle. This year, I am not letting them make the catch.”
You guys get Mayfair (2-4) next time out. What kind of game are you expecting from the Monsoons?
“We are expecting quick passes and they want to try to be physical against us. We have to gang tackle the ball. We have to get their athletes to the ground. I think our offense will steamroll their defense.”
Bryson, it was great spending time with you today covering all that you do on the field. Good luck on Friday against Mayfair.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Mr. Photos; No. 9 Bryson Reeves