Recruiting season is picking up. High school football seasons are over and recruits are making their commitments known across the country. BYU has a good looking class so far this season but there are still a number of big names with offers that the BYU coaching staff would love to see in Provo. Over the next few weeks, Lawless Republic will take a look at some of the prospects with a BYU offer that have not yet committed. We’ll offer as much insight as we can and make predictions as to what school they will choose. Today, we take a look at Timpview High School DE/OLB Gabe Reid.
Star Ratings
Scout.com: 3-star prospect
Rivals.com: 3-star prospect
247Sports.com: 3-star prospect
ESPN.com: 3-star prospect
A consensus 3-star, Reid has the talent and the upside to be a really effective player at the next level. He and BYU commit Devin Kaufusi dominated high school football in the state of Utah. They lived in the offensive backfield and led a stout defense to a third straight state championship. If Reid’s play can translate to the next level like I think it will, he could be one of the better BYU defensive linemen in recent memory.
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He’s got elite pass rush skills and also proved to be effective against the run. He is slightly undersized, but what high school senior couldn’t stand to put on a few pounds? Reid has the frame and athleticism, in my opinion, to be similar to what Spencer Hadley was for BYU when he was playing outside linebacker. Like Hadley, Reid can get to the quarterback extremely well and is good in the rest of his game. He would be a massive get for BYU.
Where Does BYU Stand
Reid’s father, Spencer Reid, was a linebacker at BYU in the 90’s so Cougar blue runs in the family blood. There were some rumors when BYU initially offered that Reid was a little offended that BYU wasn’t the first school to offer him. When BYU offered Reid already had three offers from Utah, Utah State and Oregon State. At this point I don’t think any of those rumors are true. BYU seems to be in the running, but they are certainly going to have their work cut out for them. Since BYU offered, many other big schools have come calling, including Stanford.
Reid is known to be really good friends with teammate and fellow BYU recruit, Britain Covey. Many believe that Reid and Covey may be a package deal. BYU would love to sign both Covey and Reid but it is unknown if that’s going to be how it plays out. Utah had a successful year in the PAC-12 and that’s appealing for any local recruit. Stanford is a really difficult school to say no to for even the biggest BYU fans, just ask 2014 BYU recruit Uriah Leiataua. BYU is in a good place, but they will have their work cut out for them in the remaining seven weeks before signing day.
Dec 20, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego State Aztecs wide receiver Colin Lockett (24) is hit by Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Spencer Hadley (center) and defensive back Craig Bills (bottom) at the goal line after trying to make a catch during the first quarter of the Poinsettia Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Prediction
Unfortunately, I think BYU is playing catch up with Stanford for Reid’s services. I’ve been a BYU fan my entire life but it would be extremely difficult for me to say no to a free Stanford education no matter what the circumstances are. I also wouldn’t rule out Utah for Reid. If Covey goes to Utah I think that it will be a pretty appealing situation for two really good friends to play together in the PAC-12.
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Reid is familiar with BYU, however. Kaufusi may be able to help BYU recruit Reid. Former Timpview teammate Isaiah Nacua may also be able to play a role. BYU definitely has some ammunition to use to help persuade Reid to come, but it will be a dogfight.
My prediction come signing day: Stanford.
Check out Gabe Reid’s highlights here and follow him on Twitter @gabereid90.