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Former University of Arizona Defensive End Brooks Reed took some time to answer some questions about his time at Arizona, the Senior Bowl, his NFL Prospects, and of course, his hair! Check it out!
Draft Geek: You played a big part in the resurgence of Arizona's football Program, getting the team to 3 straight bowl games. What can you attribute most to the improvement, and what can you say about the program moving forward?
Brooks Reed: The biggest improvement in my eyes was the overall attitude of the team. Desire and determination to create an identity for ourselves was important for us. We knew it world take a lot of hard work, but we knew we could get that done in the offseason with our strength and conditioning coach Corey Edmund. Moving forward I see the program competing for Pac-10 championships, it is the ultimate goal, and a very realistic one at that. The U of A does a great job in developing players into big time play makers
Draft Geek: How was your experience at the Senior Bowl? How did you think you performed?
Brooks Reed: My experience at the Senior Bowl was very positive. It was a great competitive environment and I had a great opportunity to interview with NFL coaches, kind of like a warm-up for the NFL combine. I couldn't have asked for more, I had a great week of practice, I stayed healthy, and perfect weather all week...given the history.
Draft Geek: You played a lot with your hand on the ground at Arizona. But a lot of people feel you would be a better fit at OLB in a 3-4. Which spot do you think you are best suited to play, or would prefer to play at the next level?
Brooks Reed: On paper I have the prototypical size, speed and strength to be a 3-4 linebacker, and would be an undersized defensive end in a 4-3 scheme, and I believe I have the athleticism to make the switch from a hand down guy to a stand up guy. I think that's the best position on the field, I mean, you get to rush the quarterback most of the time along with some dropping responsibility. I think it will be a fun adjustment for me.
Draft Geek: What can you say about your former teammate Ricky Elmore? And what do you think of his NFL Prospects?
Brooks Reed: I thought and still think Rick has been an under-rated player, he is a very gifted athlete and always outperformed expectations The guy is reliable in every sense and most of all is a playmaker. Whatever team he goes to, they will be happy they picked him.
Draft Geek: A lot of people compare you to former Wildcat and Patriot Tedi Bruschi. What do you think of those comparisons? If not what player would you most compare yourself to?
Brooks Reed: I think its a little soon to make that kind of comparison, he is one of those one and a million, I can only wish to have as an extensive career as Tedi did. Yes we did go to the same college and yes we are making a similar transition from d-end to linebacker, but this man was gifted. Its hard to compare myself to any players because I like to create my own style, but the player I like to watch and study the most is Dwight Freeney.
Draft Geek: What goals have you set out to achieve in the NFL?
Brooks Reed: To be a starter as quick as possible and if not that then contribute any way I can, special teams, or whatever.
Draft Geek: What do you consider to be your greatest strength on the field, and what would you most like to improve on?
Brooks Reed: I am a hustler, and always give effort. Getting pressure on the quarterback is my nitche
Draft Geek: Are you looking forward to this whole pre-draft process and being under such close scrutiny? Or would you just like to skip right to the Draft?
Brooks Reed: Yes and no, you only get drafted one so why not enjoy the process and make the most out of the opportunity at hand. I would like to get this done, or maybe get it started because I feel like I have been training for this combine for years now.
Draft Geek: What is an NFL Franchise going to be getting with Brooks Reed in terms of off the field, and personality?
Brooks Reed: I'm a laid back soft spoken and humble guy, so not too much off the field.
Draft Geek: I'll let you off with a couple fun ones. What's the story with the locks? And are you going to keep them?
Brooks Reed: I have been growing my hair since high school, and really decided to let it go after I made the switch to defense my redshirt junior year. In the words of Jared Allen "Its a lifestyle". haha
Draft Geek: OK, final one. Which NFL Quarterback are you most looking forward to sacking?
Brooks Reed: Any quarterback would be fine for me.
Draft Geek: Thank you so much for your time Brooks. We look forward to seeing you play at the next level, and best wishes for you at the combine and in all your pre-draft prep!
