RNG Exclusive: 2022 Virginia LB Reid Pulliam Announces Top 3 Schools
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All collegiate defensive coordinators love the linebackers who are hard-nosed but play the position like an athlete. When Reid Pulliam takes the field for Life Christian Academy, he brings the pain to the box and can cover like a true athlete. That play has brought 12 D-I scholarship offers in a process that is close to wrapping up.
Taking on top Virginia competition was no sweat for Pulliam during the 2020 season. Pulliam cut his teeth at the varsity level with Florida’s Plant High School as a two-way talent. His ability to stop the run and cover has further impressed this summer at college camps spanning the ACC and SEC with Clemson and LSU coaches pulling him aside for more one on one time. Any college coaches needing a 6-3, 225-pound, beast in the box better make the move, Pulliam is ready to verbally commit with an announcement coming this week or after the 4th of July.
Ahead of his big commitment, in an RNG exclusive Pulliam announces his Top 3 schools.
Interview
Reid, you’ve shown that you are a play-making athlete on both sides of the ball. Given all that you can do, how would you describe the type of football player that you are?
Very disciplined, hardworking, I can learn a playbook fast, and I have a great eye for the game.
On defense, your enjoyment of delivering the big blows jumps off the tape. When you are on that side of the ball, what is your mentality?
(Laughs) Don’t let anything get past me and letting the offense know that I am there.
What defensive coverages were you guys running during the 2020 season?
We ran Cover 2, 3, 4, some man in the red zone – pretty much everything.
When you closed out your junior campaign, what did you feel were the strengths to your game on defense?
My strengths were against the run, filling the gap, especially on short downs, and forcing turnovers.
On the other side of the ball, when with Plant, which routes were you running?
My freshman and sophomore year, I was running screens, digs, posts, and go routes.
I know you’ve been playing 7v7 with Texas Fury this spring and summer. Playing against top national competition with Texas Fury, how has that helped your overall game improve?
Competing against top athletes across the nation, I get to see how my skills compare to them. I am learning more and putting myself in the right positions for when we go into pads.
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements this spring and summer in your skills?
My man and zone coverage.
When the Eagles get going for the 2021 season, which roles are you taking on?
I will be playing inside linebacker and some outside, and some on special teams.
Have you been to any college camps this summer?
Yes, I have been to Virginia Tech, that was my first, followed that up with LSU, Clemson, and Virginia. I also did private workouts with Duke and Tennessee.
At the LSU camp, what were you able to showcase with your skills?
My versatility and being able to move side to side and forward and backwards
Did you receive any feedback from the LSU coaches?
Yes. He said he’d never seen me before or my film but was really impressed with the way I played during the camp. He told me he would definitely look at my film and get back with me.
And the Clemson camp, how did that go?
It went really well. Their linebacker coach was impressed with my great footwork and great speed. They don’t have an offer available for me but he said he would help me with my recruiting.
That’s cool. At the Duke workout, what drills did they have you do?
I ran my 40, the 5-10-5, the L-drill, and ran around the circle. They also had me do linebacker drills, working with the pads, showing my footwork, coverage, and working my hips.
After all the camps, what is the best 40-yard time you put down?
My top time was 4.56.
Which schools are now showing interest but haven’t offered yet?
Tennessee is pretty much the only one showing a lot of interest that has not offered.
How many offers do you have?
I have 12.
Which programs were the last to offer?
Marshall, Duke, McNeese (State), Louisiana-Monroe, and Virginia Tech.
Pulliam’s Offer Sheet: Arizona State, East Carolina, Duke, Houston, Indiana, Liberty, Louisiana-Monroe, Maryland, Marshall, McNeese State, and Virginia Tech
Which schools have you visited so far this summer?
I have visited Virginia Tech, FSU, Clemson, Duke, and Tennessee.
During the Virginia Tech workout, what all did you do?
They showed me around the facilities and the campus.
Given all the offers that you have, have you started thinking about a commitment date?
Yes, I will be announcing either this week or next week.
Do you have a Top Schools List you want to put out?
Yes, my Top 3 are Duke, Virginia Tech, and Maryland
After you verbally commit, how will you announce it?
I will be announcing my commitment on Twitter and my social media pages.
Reid, it was a lot of fun getting time in with you today. I am excited to find out your ideal fit when you announce.
Yes, sir. Thank you.
Photo credit: Pulliam family; Reid Pulliam