Interview: Rummel 2017 LB Shahid Reece Hanging Under the Radar Despite High Productivity

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Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

One of the most important aspects of recruiting for both player and college coach looking for prospects is productivity on the field. A great player not showing up on film will quickly get bypassed for another player turning up play after play. Archbishop Rummel linebacker Shahid Reece is one of those undeniable players with a long reel of the amazing and the necessarily routine handing out grass stains inexplicably under the radar.

Reece has been a force against 5A Louisiana teams since his sophomore season. Four games into the 2014 schedule, Reece earned a spot on the Raiders starting lineup ending with 70 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, and five sacks. His junior season was a tremendous bump in productivity given a whole year to strut his stuff ending with an estimated stat line of 110 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, three sacks, and two interceptions.

With Reece helping stop the opposition, the Raiders have posted back-to-back 11-2 seasons. Rummel was overlooked going into the 2016 season by local media after a loss of a lot of Division-I talent from the 2016 class. The Raiders have shocked the Louisiana high school football community starting their year out with a 4-0 record. Their 6-0, 215 pound, playmaker has 42 tackles so far this season with four sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pick-six on his stat line with two hard to miss chips on his shoulder.

Despite all the hard work and high end productivity, next level coaches have been slow to come around on Reece. Tulane, Southern University, Jackson State, and Citadel are the only schools to offer so far with teams like Kansas State and Southern Miss showing interest.

Reece is on a mission to show any and all college coaches he is capable of playing for any collegiate program in the country all the while pushing the Raiders to a much desired spot in the state championship game.

Interview

Shahid, how is the season going for you so far?

“This is my best season so far. I came out fast. I was the Player of the Week in Week 2. I had 11 tackles, an interception for a touchdown, and three sacks against Covington.”

What strides have you made in your game?

“Being more mentally in the game. The game is a mental game. I already had the physical tools. Now I am making all the plays I am supposed to make plus some. I put on some good weight too. I feel faster this year.”

Which team has presented the biggest challenge for you this year and how did you overcome that challenge?

“University High. I felt like I was in a dog fight the whole game. They are an athletic and physical team. That is the only team to score two touchdowns on us. We have not given up that many points this season. The defense played 70 plays that game.”

Sore afterwards I bet.

“I came home and just sat there. I did not want to move.”

You guys have some great competition still left on the schedule. Any of the games left have you a little more hyped than the others?

“John Curtis and Brother Martin are two big games. Both will be real competitive.”

What goals do you have for rest of the season through the playoffs, other than win a championship?

“First, I want to win district. I want that for my team. I just want to win. This is my senior year, I just want to win. They picked us last going into the season, now we are 4-0. I want us to prove everyone wrong.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you right now?

“Kansas State, Southern Miss, Southern University, Jackson State, and Citadel.”

Have you been on any visits yet?

“No, but I plan on going to Southeastern this weekend with Derrick Munson (Arkansas commit) to check them out.”

Let’s talk about some of the off the field stuff. Did you max out this off-season?

“Yes, sir. This summer my bench max was 275, my squat was 410, and my clean was 285.”

What is your overall GPA?

“My core is a 2.7.”

Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I took the ACT and got an 18. I’m taking it again to try to get a better score.”

Are there any college games you are excited to see this weekend?

“I don’t keep up with what games are coming up. I just watch what is on when I have time to watch the games. I’m too focused on other stuff right now.”

Shahid, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: hudl.com; No. 28 Shahid Reece with the turnover.

Photo credit: lafootballmagazine.com; No. 28 Shahid Reece.