It's been a long week for Fort Myers (Fla) LB Shanon Reid this week, but I also wanted to clear up some things, but at the same time talk about the type of player Tennessee is getting with Reid, who is currently a three star prospect.
As far as recruiting I won't get into a lot of major details, but basically what happened with LSU was that LSU really was pushing for Reid the last two weeks pretty hard. Ed Orgeron even made it over there a week ago. However, I believe LSU ran out of room late and that was unexpected. LSU wanted Shanon, but the numbers just weren't coming up good. Here's the thing though even if LSU would have come in there this week and said there was a spot I don't think he would have went there based on what I know. Reid trusted Tennessee and felt a comfort there he didn't feel anywhere else and I don't think there was the same trust there at LSU.
I will also add that LSU wanted him to wait until NSD or a few weeks. But Reid wanted to be an EE and he stuck by that. I'm told LSU would have likely had a spot then but like I said before this wasn't a problem two weeks ago with LSU and Reid wasn't going to adjust his plan of being an EE.
Vols wanted him bad and made that clear many times. That never slowed up in getting him in this class. I'm told by Shannon he would take a lot with the LB coach Thigpen, who he has taken a strong liken to from the start.
Now as far as Reid as a player I've scouted Shanon since he was a freshman and I've seen him in action on three different times. Reid's profile isn't accurate though. I believe he is now 6-foot-1, 215 pounds or around there. Two things immediately jump out at you about Reid. First, his hitting ability. Big time hitter from sideline to sideline and his instincts around the football in getting off blocks. He's also one of the best athletes on the team and has shown to be very effective in coverage against some of faster teams in the area, like Immokalee and Naples. He can be fine tuned more with technique with using his hands even more violent in coming off the edge and also reading the right coverage, stuff like that.
However, he's a four-star talent IMO based on what I've seen. He's not a finished product as he can get stronger, but his speed from sideline to sideline is what you want to see and at Tennessee he will get a chance to develop that quickly. My guess is because he's such a head hunter and has a good amount of speed you will see him a lot on special teams.
I will also add I've known this kid since he was in the 8th grader and he's going to be a very good representative of the Vol nation. He's the leader on his team and without question the guy players turn to when it's time to get focused and when he speaks everyone listens. You will fall in love with him IMO. Great kid.
Now moving onto DE Deondre Johnson. He's a really good edge rusher. That's his main strength and he's quick as a cat and what makes him so difficult is how he uses his hands off the line and those quick feet. He still has room to grow with technique, like stance and how to use a variety of moves off that stance and also can be more consistent against the run. But he's a weapon for sure as a pass rusher and he's also one of the better physical ends in that area.
I hear a lot of talk about Tennessee with him lately. But I haven't done that much study on other schools in the mix. That's about it guys. I'm working to get this one on one video interview with Shanon Reid that I hope to send over to Paul later tonight so he can put it up. Pretty good stuff. I might not be able to send that until I get home though as I have a five hour drive ahead of me. But Shanon is worth it. Hope you guys liked the coverage.
