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It didn’t take long for him to select a college, either.
A big-play receiver and kick returner in football and a three-event state meet qualifier in track and field, Reese on Friday made a verbal commitment to attend Baylor on a full scholarship and compete in both sports beginning in the fall of 2009.
Reese can make it official by signing a national letter of intent in early February.
On Friday he participated in a one-day Baylor football camp in Waco for the second time this year and said Bears first-year coach Art Briles then offered him a scholarship - and Reese was happy to accept.
“Baylor’s got new coaches and they like me,” said Reese, a slender 5-11, 170-pound athlete who’s been timed at 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash. “They have a new spread offense and they said they want me to play inside receiver.”
Reese, who recently led the Wildcats’ 7-on-7 football team to a ninth-place finish at the state tournament, said reigning national champion Louisiana State, Texas Tech and Texas Christian were his other top candidates.
Reese added that Baylor has everything he’s looking for and that he’s glad to put this important decision behind him.
“I felt Baylor was the best overall option for me,” he said. “It’s close to home.”
Reese wasn’t showcased in Temple’s rushing-dominated Wing-T offense as a junior, catching only seven passes as the 7-4 Wildcats won the District 13-5A championship.
But those receptions went for 211 yards, including a 75-yard play at Round Rock Westwood and a 64-yard touchdown in an overtime playoff loss to Pflugerville. Reese also scored on an 85-yard kickoff return against South Garland and on a 31-yard run against Belton.
Temple football coach Bryce Monsen said he thinks Reese’s athletic ability and skills will benefit Baylor greatly.
“He is an outstanding Division I-caliber receiver,” Monsen said, adding that he plans to use Reese more in the passing game this season. “In my opinion, he’ll be a perfect fit for that offense. He’s very explosive.
“He was very excited and felt very good (about committing). Coach Briles went after him hard throughout the spring.”
As much potential as Reese has shown in football, he consistently has produced stellar results in track and field.
He capped his sophomore year with a bronze medal in the triple jump at the Class 5A Region II meet, then collected a combined nine medals in district, regional and state competition this spring.
Reese captured district gold medals in the long jump, triple jump, 300-meter hurdles and 1,600 relay, plus a silver in the 400 relay.
At regionals Reese earned silver in the long jump, triple jump and 300 hurdles (he owns Temple records in all three events), then he won a bronze in the 300 hurdles at state.