By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine
I believe every year you can watch high school games like I do and find an athletic FB/TE/HB who can play at the next level because of hard work, strength, good hands, good feet, and a high football IQ and there’s a local player who fits the profile — Ryan Reeves, Class of 2025, Tioga High School.
Ryan is a true fullback for an FBS program as a walk on, who might fit at the FCS level as a starter at some point. In Division II or Division III, he could be a starter Day 1 at fullback or halfback.
Here’s a kid who goes 6-0, 210 pounds and will get heavier in college and even stronger. Reeves benches 315 pounds and squats 450 in the weight room.
He will also have an option to also play college baseball. Reeves is a captain of the football team and captain of the baseball team. He is a second-generation player for Tioga — his dad played baseball and football for four years, was a two-time All State baseball player and played for Louisiana College (now Louisiana Christian).
Ryan has a 3.7 GPA with an ACT score of 22. He has a level head on his shoulders.
“Being a dual sport athlete has strengthened me both physically and mentally, allowing me to blend skills and leadership qualities from one sport into another,” he said. “Learning from multiple coaches has helped me better utilize skills and training in both sports.
“As a captain in both baseball and football, I’ve learned the power of team dynamics and the importance of leadership on and off the field.
“I strive to honor and glorify God, because I know every opportunity is a blessing. My strength and perseverance on the field are gifts that I believe are meant to reflect His grace and goodness, and I hope it shines throughout my teammates.”
Tioga offensive coordinator John Landry has nothing but praise for Reeves.
“Ryan is a great young man and a joy to coach. He is a physical player with good size and speed, 4.7 in the 40-yard dash. He is a smart football player that understands the game.
“We are able to use him in multiple ways all over the field. Ryan plays TE and HB for us. He blocks really well and has great hands. He had a nine-reception game for 124 yards and two touchdowns last season even though he missed five games due to an injury. We look forward to getting him more involved and expanding his role in the passing game this year,” said Landry.
It’s players like Reeves who are the “glue guys” who make team dynamics work out so well. And they are fairly easy to spot on Friday nights. Team captains are that way. That distinction isn’t given randomly – it is earned.
I think he will have a very good senior season and will get a chance to compete as a college athlete in one sport — or maybe two, if he finds the right college and wants to give that a try.
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com
Lee Brecheen has been covering high school football and recruiting in Louisiana since the early ‘90s. He is owner of Louisiana Football Magazine and can be followed on X @LeeBrecheen. He hosts a YouTube show, The Sports Scouting Report with Lee Brecheen. Previews of all state high schools are available on lafootballmagazine.com.