Virginia Cavaliers football lands commitment from Hawaii defensive tackle Samson Reed

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.

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.”)

Welcome to the UVA family, Samson!