Part of the Wolf Pack

Former Del Norte High School football player Seann Reed, right, participates in a football game at Santa Rosa Junior College, where he played for two years. Reed, a middle linebacker, is now playing at the University of Nevada, Reno. Submitted Photo

He played his first two years of college football at Santa Rosa Junior College before receiving a football scholarship to attend Nevada, Reno.

While at first Reed was not sure if he wanted to redshirt last year, he said that it has turned out to be a great decision for him.

He said the extra year has given him a chance to learn the system and culture of the team  and have the coaches get to know him better.

When he started, Reed said  that he “didn’t know the plays at all,” and it took him time to adjust. “I know it a lot better than I did last fall.”

Reed said what he has learned during his redshirt year is the importance of “being mentally prepared” and the need to know exactly where the ball is going as well as understanding the schemes the opposing team runs. He said on this level natural ability alone will not help you succeed.

“I want to know what the offense is going to run before they do,” Reed said.

Nevada Reno is the same school his father Richard played at in the late 1960s.

Richard Reed played on the offensive line and was an All-Conference selection. For two years he was on the practice squad with the Washington Redskins.

While he saw action in the preseason he said he did not see the field during the regular season. His coach the first year was the legendary Vince Lombardi of Green Bay Packers fame.

Richard Reed says he still has his rookie contract, which has Vince Lombardi’s signature on it.

“I’m happy for him,” Reed said about his son, adding while he is pleased Seann is playing at his alma mater, “it didn’t matter where he went. It just worked out for him. It was his choice.”

“He’s a hard worker,” Richard Reed added. “He’s focused, which will only help him.  He may not be the fastest kid, but he’s got a nose for the football.”

Richard Reed believes that his son’s dedication and ability to be a good tackler will serve him well.

“He’s always been a kid that’s humble and wants to help his team. He has a chance of moving up in his position,” Reed said, adding the key is how he does during fall practices, which begin in August.

During spring practices Seann Reed said his coaches told him they were pleased with his tenacity and tackling, especially on special teams where he had two blocked punts during a scrimmage game.

“It was good exposure for me,” Reed said, adding that his coaches have told him they want to find a way to get him on the field this fall and it appears that he will see playing time on special teams.

While Reed said he would certainly like to start at middle linebacker his focus is to do whatever it takes to help the Wolf Pack.

Reed said the training has been intense at  Nevada with a much more  business-like atmosphere compared to junior college.

Every player on the team was a standout in high school with several people battling for a limited number of spots.

“It’s a lot more intense,”  Reed said. “It’s tough. It’s a lot more competitive. They expect a lot from you.”

Seann Reed, in white, battles an offensive lineman while at Santa Rosa. Submitted Photo

The 6-foot-3-inch, 235-pound Reed said he was 260 when he arrived in Reno, but his coaches asked him to lose wight so he would be quicker.

Reed said his life and focus is school and football. He is usually up at 5:30 a.m. with his days consisting of weight training, classes, study hall, position meetings and more training.

Reed said football is a passion and he understands it’s an honor to still be playing football. He said he hopes to make the most of his opportunity.

Reed is looking forward to the first game of the year on Sept. 5, when Nevada travels to one of the best known football programs in the country — the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, in South Bend, Ind.

Reed was a fan of the Irish growing up, and he said it will be surreal to walk into the stadium and play a game.

“It’s going to feel special,” he said. “I feel really honored that I’m going to have a chance to play there.”

Richard Reed said he’s excited about going to Wolf Pack games this fall and have the chance to see his son play.

“I’m very proud of him,” he said. “He’s worked extremely hard to get to where he’s at.”