Maryland Keeping Tabs on Big Ten Commit
It’s officially game week for Clearwater Central Academy (FL) as they are set for their home opener this upcoming Friday against Brentwood Academy (TN). For left tackle Albert Reese, he is ready to turn the page this week in practice as the energy ticks up a notch.
“A lot more inspiring to go even harder in practice and to get as much rest as you can,” Reese told All Terrapins. “I feel like after three more practices, which is what we will be doing this week, I feel like we’ll be good. Reese plays opposite of 6-foot-7 offensive tackle Bruno Zandamela while the Knights also boast 6-foot-6, 315-pound tackle Percy Speights with little concern in the trenches.
The offseason work is officially put to test for Reese as he’s eager to show his maintained agility with added strength. The 6-foot-7, 295-pound tackle knows what he wants to put on film this season. “Use more college-level footwork, better hand placement. Just want to focus on better form for the next level so that I’m ready when I get there.”
Reese remains committed to Rutgers despite consistent Power Five interest elsewhere. “It’s been going well, we still talk a fair amount,” Reese added regarding his commitment to the Scarlet Knights. While Reese added he has kept an open dialogue with the Rutgers staff regarding new interest, other teams are hot in pursuit.
Ole Miss and Oklahoma State were in pursuit ahead of Maryland’s mid-July offer as both Michigan State and Utah have jumped into the mix since. He’s maintained his stance that he is happy with Rutgers but without a visit, is open to schools proving to Reese that they are a better fit. “It’s a similar mentality.
Been going very well and we do a good job. I should be getting a call in with the head coach Mike Locksley [on Monday], so that’ll be the second time. The day I got the offer I had a conversation with him. I had a really good virtual tour with Oklahoma State and I keep in touch with all of those schools a fair amount still.”
Reese told All Terrapins he plans to get on the phone with Locksley early this week for their second conversation. Maryland has one offensive tackle committed the 2021 class as Kyle Long opted into the class in July. Reese and offensive line coach John Reagan have built a steady relationship as he looks forward to doing the same with head coach Mike Locksley. “Just talking to him, I’m sure I’ll learn a fair amount and he’ll also do the same for me.”
Maryland, Michigan State and Rutgers will not play this fall as of Monday, but both Oklahoma State and Ole Miss will get a chance to kick off their seasons on September 12 and 26 respectively. Reese has an idea what he will look to watch if he watches either this fall.
“Maybe the pace of how they’re going to play because obviously everyone will be amped up to be back, so I’m interested to see that.”
