Combine has familial familiarity for Bulldogs’ Reed

Relatives with NFL experience give a competitive edge.

INDIANAPOLIS — University of Georgia defensive back JR Reed knew all about the NFL scouting combine long before he had the chance to grip the dumbbell at the Indianapolis Convention Center or spring from the launch pad at Lucas Oil Stadium.

His father, Jake Reed, was a wide receiver in the NFL for 12 seasons with the Vikings and Saints. His uncle, Dale Carter, played defensive back for a dozen seasons in the NFL with stops in Kansas City, Denver, Minnesota, New Orleans and Baltimore.

“From my dad, one of the things I learned at an early age is it’s never too early to start being a pro,” Reed said Friday. “And then from my uncle, it’s just to be mean, nasty, and get after the ball and get after everybody, man.”

Having family ties in football not only gave Reed a head start as a kid, but it also helped prepare him for the combine, where most of the 330 prospects tap their college coaches or former teammates who have gone pro for advice.

“It’s definitely an advantage to have family in the NFL and just to lean on them for their expertise,” Reed said. “My dad has helped me throughout this whole process.”

“I think it gives us the upper hand,” said Minnesota defensive back Antoine Winfield Jr., whose father played 14 seasons in the NFL. “If you have family members that have been through it firsthand . ... they’ll pretty much tell you everything you need to know prior to coming to an event like this.”

Actually, they’ve been gleaning valuable tips most of their lives.

“At a young age, I was getting taught things that no other kids were thinking about, having an All-Pro dad that played football,” Winfield said. “He’d be out in backyard doing footwork, so I’m out there with him doing footwork at an early age. Watching film at a young age. Doing everything that most kids wish they had.”

Reed and Winfield — who finally take the field today for the defensive back drills — are among some half-dozen players in Indianapolis this week with fathers, uncles or brothers who have played in the NFL.