2014 DE Recruit C.J. Reese Reaffirms Commitment To Kansas State
By Dave Thoman
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Although he continues to receive attention from schools around the area and all the way to California, 2014 DE recruit C.J. Reese reaffirmed his commitment to K-State earlier this week. Reese has recently picked up an offer from the University of Houston and has received attention from Baylor, California, Memphis, and Texas Tech since his announcement (in addition to previous offers from Colorado, Nevada, and SMU). However, speaking on Wednesday in reference to KSU coach Dana Dimel, Reese stated that “Coach Dimel and I have built a strong relationship together and with my family I feel like I made a really good choice and it isn’t going to get any better than this.”
Reese also mentioned a promise to see the field his freshman year, which could play a major factor in retaining his commitment (K-State could be the best program able to provide this offer). And the proposition of Reese seeing at least some playing time as a true freshman is a real possibility. Recently rated the #47 DE in his class by 247 Sports, he promises to bring the physical tools necessary to contribute on the next level. Additionally, K-State’s lack of depth at the position will also assist in getting Reese on the field.
K-State lists seven defensive ends on its 2013 current roster. And while only one is set to exhaust his eligibility this year, it will represent an important loss. Alauna Finau is a former junior college player expected to anchor one half of the defensive end spots after playing in nine games last year while backing up Meshak Williams and Adam Davis. On the other end of the line, soon-to-be junior Ryan Mueller from Leawood, KS is currently at the top of the depth chart.
Reese will not be taking much playing time from Ryan Mueller in 2014, as Mueller has played in 13 games each of the past two years. In 2012 he had three tackles-for-loss while breaking up six passes and recovering two fumbles. However, the other side should be a wide open battle and Reese could easily be part of a rotation assuming he continues to develop over the next year. Hopefully he can be an immediate star, but even if his role is merely to let the first string catch its breath, it’s encouraging to see a steadfast commitment in the face of additional offers – regardless of how early in the process it is for the 2014 recruiting class.
Click here to read Jug of Snyder’s initial reaction to Reese’s commitment announcement.