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The five-commit weekend for the Virginia Cavaliers football program rolled right on into the week, with a three-commit Monday that included Samson Reed, a defensive tackle out of Hawaii.
— Samson Tamasese Reed (@Samsonreed92) June 27, 2017
Reed is 6’3 and weighs in at 252 pounds, according to 247 Sports. He is a 3-star in the 247 Composite, with 3-star ratings from 247, Rivals, Scout, and ESPN. ESPN rates Reed the #1 player in Hawaii for 2018. In addition to UVA, Reed has offers from Hawaii, Washington State, and BYU.
This isn’t the moon-like nose tackle that is the protoype for a 3-man front. Instead, Reed is the prototype for the “silverback” role that new defensive line coach Vic So’oto has been promoting: strong, fast, penetrating defensive linemen who complement an aggressive blitzing scheme. Think a Wade Phillips 3-4, instead of a Romeo Crennel 3-4. Reed shows that fast-twitch explosiveness and motor for days. He’ll need to bulk up—even as a “silverback”—but definitely has the frame for it.
(He has the genes for it, too. His dad, Tanoai, is the stunt double for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.”)
Finally got myself a Twitter account! Thanks for following me! #samoanstuntman pic.twitter.com/2hMVizdyEJ
— Tanoai Reed (@Tanoai1) February 9, 2016
Welcome to the UVA family, Samson!