Reeses are key pieces for Gators linebackers
Junior standout, freshman share name, position, passion.
ATLANTA — David Reese was one of the players Florida brought to SEC media days last week.
The other David Reese may have a shot at being here eventually.
It may be confusing (“tackle by Reese, assisted by Reese), but Reese loves Reese. The junior linebacker had great things to say about the freshman linebacker.
“I’m telling you, that kid’s huge and he’s ready to play,” said the elder Reese. “He’s ready to go. He’s ready to play physically and mentally. With his body type, he can play inside or outside.”
Reese wasn’t alone in praising the freshman.
“He’s a guy that’s been standing out to me,” said senior defensive lineman Cece Jefferson. “His work ethic is great. His body type, man, this guy looks like he’s been in college for four years already. It’s just nice to see those guys come in and attack the way that they do.
“I tell them every day I wish I would have had (strength coach Nick) Savage for the last three years, because I probably would have been three-and-out. For them to come in and embrace it the way that they do puts a smile on my face.”
But there is still that confusion factor, one that the older player will try to alleviate this year by wearing “REESE II” on his jersey because his dad is also David Reese.
“People try to call us at the same time,” Reese II said. “That’s when my teammates have the most fun.”
Reese said he hasn’t come up with a nickname yet for the freshman to solve the dilemma. But he’s open to suggestions.
“Any ideas?” he said. Maybe Jefferson has one. “Hopefully I don’t see (the two of them) walking down the hallway at the same time,” Jefferson said. “Little Reese, maybe.”
Ready to step up: Every fall, a handful of Gators players who haven’t previously drawn much attention start to emerge as significant contributors.
Here are six (three on offense, three on defense) who aren’t really on the radar now, but will have a chance to show up this season:
C’yontai Lewis, Tight end, Sr. — He hasn’t been much of a factor so far, catching only 27 passes over the past three seasons. He’ll have a chance to double that production in one season playing in an offense that features the tight end in the passing game. Long and athletic, Lewis can be a matchup problem for safeties and linebackers. He had an excellent spring, though, and the key for him is showing better consistency with his hands. If he does, he could have a huge season.
Rick Wells, Wide receiver, So. — A four-star prospect coming out of high school, this guy has been completely off the radar since he’s been here. He redshirted his freshman season, then was suspended all of last season for alleged credit-card fraud. But this spring, out of nowhere, Wells emerged as a potential playmaker. He showed speed, the ability to get open and a determination to go get the ball. Transfers Van Jefferson and Trevon Grimes will get the attention heading into the season, but Wells has a chance to make his presence felt.
Noah Banks, Offensive tackle, Jr. — This junior college transfer from Iowa Western is physically and mentally ready to go and brings instant depth to the two offensive tackle spots. Should the coaches feel the need to move Martez Ivey back inside to guard, the 6-foot-6, 315 pounds Banks is ready to step in. He figures to be in the playing rotation either way.
Jeawon Taylor, Safety, Jr. — Taylor actually started emerging in the second half of last season, starting five of the final six games. Then he sort of disappeared. He injured his shoulder against UAB, underwent surgery and was held out of contact work in the spring. But he showed last season that he’s not only a player, but he also has leadership qualities that were evident in a young secondary. He’s looking at a possible breakout season if his shoulder cooperates.
Rayshad Jackson, Linebacker, Jr. — This Miami product has been mostly a special-teams player in the past, but it looks like his role is going to change dramatically under new defensive coordinator Todd Grantham. Jackson worked with the No. 1 defense for most of the spring and impressed everybody with his aggressiveness and instinct for being in the right place at the right time. He’s a physical linebacker who can really run.
Ventrell Miller, Linebacker, Fr. — Like Wells, Miller was suspended all of last season for alleged credit-card fraud. Apparently undeterred by the year off, Miller announced his arrival in the spring with numerous big hits that drew everyone’s attention on the practice field. And he appears to be more than just a big hitter. He also has shown good instincts for playing the position. He’s set himself up to be in the playing rotation in the fall.