Interview with Louisiana Archbishop Rummel Rising Star LB Shahid Reece

Written by Ryan Wright

There are a few states across the U.S. that give automatic credence to a player’s on the field abilities at the high school level, especially playing the game at the higher classifications. Those states where credibility is instantly won includes Florida, Texas, California, Arizona, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. When sophomore linebacker Shahid Reece took the field in 2014 for Archbishop Rummel (Metairie) he not only held his own but started paving a way towards becoming one of the best in-state as part of the 2017 recruiting class.

By Game 4 against Covington, Reece had worked his way onto the field as a starter at outside linebacker helping the Raiders continue their undefeated streak into the Louisiana High School Playoffs. Rummel rolled through the regular season undefeated upending Jesuit 10-7 on Oct. 25 but fell to the New Orleans powerhouse in the championship game 28-14. When the clock had rolled triple-zeroes on the season Rummel was 11-1 with a motivating chip on their shoulder for 2015.

The 6’0”, 215 pound, athlete finished the 2014 season with 70 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and five sacks while only starting eight games; rising star credit earned and deserved.

Rummel enters the 2015 season as the top team in the state of Louisiana with a national ranking of No. 25 by PrepNation and No. 22 by MaxPreps writers. Hopes are high for the Raiders again this season but Rummel plays arguably the toughest schedule in the Bayou State this season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview I sat down with Shahid in between practices preparing for the upcoming season to get his insight on how the Raiders look heading into 2015 high school schedule and what his goals are for his junior campaign.

Interview
Shahid, getting on the field as a sophomore starter for Rummel is impressive. Imagine what your stat line could have been with the additional four games.

“I might have ended up with 100 tackles.”

Yeah, who knows? Looking back on last season, what are some of the bigger things you learned in 2014 as a starter?

“I had to learn the responsibility of where I needed to be on the field, listening to my coaches, and earning the trust of my teammates. It all just came together.”

As a first-time starter, what were some of the things you did well playing outside linebacker?

“Setting up my blitzes, tackling, and setting up my teammates to make plays too.”

That’s one thing that never fills the stat line but is caught on tape quickly, a player setting up his teammates to be successful or someone who is just out there for himself.

“Exactly, that’s what it means to be a team player. That’s one thing I don’t do, play for myself. I want my team to have success.”

How do the Raiders look heading into the 2015 season? Do you think you guys can make another run deep run into the playoffs this year?

“Yes sir, I think we look better. When we lost that game – it has motivated us to work harder during the offseason so we can get back to the state championship.”

What have you been working on in the offseason to have an even better junior season than your sophomore campaign?

“I’ve been working on staying low, understanding what my coaches are saying, and playing fast and physical. I’ve gotten way stronger from last year. I went up 40 pounds on bench press and increased my squat. I’ve put up tremendous numbers in the weight room. We’ve been working really hard on our individual positions as well.”

What is your bench press and squat max?

“My bench is at 270 and my squat is at 400.”

Nice. And you’re just entering your junior season. What is your best 40-yard dash time?

“4.6.”

What are your goals for the 2015 season?

“My goals are to win a district championship and a state championship and make All-District, All-State, and All-Metro.”

Will your role on the team change at all this year? Will we see you lining up on offense or anything like that?

“No sir, I’m playing linebacker and a lot of special teams. I’m on kickoff, punt, and punt return.”

I see. The coaches are putting a top gunner out there to jar the ball loose as often as possible.

“(Laughing) Exactly. My coaches like the effort that I put in. I do everything 110 percent and they like players who do that.”

Have you had a chance to look at the 2015 schedule yet and if so are there any games you are excited to play this year?

“Yes sir. We have the toughest schedule in the state. I’m going to take every game one game at a time. We can’t afford to overlook anyone. Every game is going to be really tough. I’m preparing myself to win and be the best player I can be and not let my teammates down in anyway.”

You answered that last question with such conviction, I believe you whole heartedly!

“Yes sir.”

Which schools are showing interest in your right now in regards to recruiting?

“LSU, Oklahoma State, and Pennsylvania are showing interest. That’s all I know of right now.”

Have any schools offered you yet?

“Tulane has offered.”

Did you attend any college camps this summer?

“Yes sir, I attended Louisiana-Lafayette, the Ragin’ Cajuns, and Tulane. I was offered at the Tulane camp.”

What did you do well at the Tulane camp that set you apart from others that helped you earn that offer?

“I did well in one-on-ones. I showed a strong desire, my toughness, and that I play 110 percent all the time. The Tulane coaches said I have a high motor. That’s one thing I think sets me apart from everyone else and that’s my ability to play hard. I take pride in what I do.”

You have a lot of time to think about this but when your time comes to start narrowing down where you may verbally commit what will influence that decision?

“The relationships that I build with the coaches, that’s my No. 1. Where the school is located does not really matter to me. Another is, do I feel like it is a good fit for me academically? School and academics really comes first.”

When you watch football during the season either on Saturday or Sunday is there a player you enjoy watching play the game and try to incorporate some of their techniques into your own game?

“Yes sir, Von Miller with the Denver Broncos. To me, he’s a great pass rusher who gives 110 percent every time. I feel like I reflect him on the field.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part is just being able to get all of my aggression out. Football is an aggressive sport and I’m an aggressive player. It’s a perfect sport for me.”

Do you have any final thoughts on the upcoming season?

“Raider Pride!”

Photo credit: Parker Waters; No. 28 Shahid Reece
Photo credit: Rummel High School; No. 28 Shahid Reece