OVERVIEW
One of top tacklers in college football, the three-year starter was rated the second-best safety in the country by The Sporting News … A player with good speed who loves to hit, he earned "Super Ram" status in the weight room during the 2002 offseason … Started 36 of 47 games, recording 466 tackles (304 solos) with four sacks for minus-25 yards, 17½ stops for losses of 62 yards, three interceptions for 68 yards in returns, including a touchdown, 18 pass deflections, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.
ANALYSIS
Positives: Has a well-built frame and body structure with good growth potential … Has a thick chest, solid thighs and calves, and strong legs … Quick to recognize and locate the ball … Has the foot speed, quickness and flexible hips to easily redirect in man coverage … Very smooth in his backpedal, showing the body control to be smooth coming out of transition … Plays alert and is very aware of the receiver's drop in the zone … Consistently goes for the ball and shows steady acceleration and timing … Tracks the ball properly and readily adjusts to it when combating for the pigskin … Catches the ball in his hands and away from his body … Will meet the ball carrier with aggression at the line of scrimmage and shows very good body control in the open field.
Negatives: While he has good range, he needs to improve his burst, as he takes false steps in transition … Needs to use his hands better when working through traffic … Gets a little out of control when tackling in space … Timed speed is not impressive, but compensates with his ability to gain position.
AGILITY TESTS
Timed at 4.56 in the 40-yard dash … 345-pound bench press … 500-pound squat … 39-inch vertical jump … 31-inch arm length … 9 1/8-inch hands.
HIGH SCHOOL
Attended Granby (Norfolk, Va.) High … Honorable mention All-USA Today selection and District Player of the Year … First-team all-state, and all-district on offense and defense, adding all-region and All-Tidewater honors on defense … Made 62 tackles and had three interceptions as a senior … Blocked five field goals … Played quarterback on offense and had 1,400 yards total offense as a senior … In his career, he passed for 20 touchdowns and 2,000 yards, and rushed for 960 yards and 12 scores … Also competed in track and basketball … Named Norfolk's Outstanding Track Performer … Competed in the sprints and triple jump … Won the state triple jump title as a senior … Two-time all-district selection in basketball.
PERSONAL
Management and Information Systems major … Wears No. 24 because the difference in those numbers (24) is two and in high school he was No. 2 … Uncle, Kevin Shamblee, ran track at Tennessee … Born Dexter Devon Reid on March 18, 1981 in Norfolk, Va.