Interview: 3-Star 2021 Washington OL William Reed Previews Championship Game
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Success begets success and Eastside Catholic has had a whole lot of it in recent years. The Crusaders took home a 3A Washington state title in 2018 posting a 13-1 record after taking down O’Dea 31-3 for the hardware. To no surprise, the two powerhouse teams are set to meet again for state bragging rights. The Fighting Irish (12-0) and the Crusaders met during the regular season on Eastside’s turf winning 28-6. Redemption is at hand for the Eastside along with another banner come Saturday.
After sitting down with Crusader three-star 2021 offensive lineman William Reed in early November, the Crusaders have marched through the playoffs taking down Squalicum, Bellevue, and Lincoln for the right to play in the championship game. Then, the 6-6, 260-pound, lineman was on the rise on recruiting boards with three offers; Duke, Virginia Tech, and Washington State. Four more have been extended since then.
To talk about playing for another state title and with an update on his growing recruiting opportunities, Reed and I caught up in a quick one-on-one.
*Click link for Nov. 4, 2019, RNG interview with William Reed
Interview
William, we spoke about a month ago going over your progress on the field throughout the 2019 season. Since then you have played four games, three of them being playoff contests. How have the playoffs gone for you?
“I have been playing my best over the last four games. Reviewing film, Bellevue and Lincoln, they were my best. I have been working on my technique throughout the season and into the playoffs. Playing with aggression is always a part of it.”
You mentioned playing with aggression, what else has been the difference on the field for you from the regular season to the playoffs?
“My technique has improved and gotten better. The playing experience from season is paying off in the playoffs. I am more seasoned and I know the tricks. I can stop the bigger guys. I can rely on more on muscle memory and technique to get the job done.”
How have you stepped up your game?
“I have been more consistent and reliable. That comes with watching film. I know what is coming.”
During the playoffs, has there been a challenge for you on the field going up against some of the best talent in the state of Washington?
“I went up against an OSU commit. He is a tight end commit, but he was playing defensive end against me. He was 6-6, 260; that was a challenge. Against Lincoln, their entire line was over 270. There were all big boys.”
With those challenges faced, how did that make you a better blocker?
“It is good to play against all different type of defensive linemen. Going against speed or power or a guy who has both, it is good to take on all different types of defensive linemen to improve your game and gain more experience.”
Since we spoke last, more college football programs have found you and offered. You were at three, how many do you have now?
“Seven.”
Reed’s Offer Sheet: California, Colorado, Dartmouth, Duke, Virginia Tech, Tennessee, and Washington State
Nice. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered?
“Some schools that are showing interest but have not offered are Oregon, Boise State, Yale, Princeton, and Nebraska.”
Returning back to football. You guys got the big semifinal win over Lincoln claiming a 34-21 victory moving onto state. How did that game go for the team?
“It was a rough week for us. As a team, we had some personal stuff that happened. A kid’s mom was sick, an aunt passed away, and some kids got into a car accident. We had to come together to play the best we could against the adversity. The win is what we all needed. We came together.”
O’Dea is next. The Fighting Irish are 12-0 and ranked No. 2 in-state (MaxPreps). What are you expecting from their defense come Friday?
“We know they have big dudes. They keep it vanilla but it works for them. There is nothing flashy about their style of play but they play rough football.”
What does the team have to do to claim a state title against O’Dea?
“It is all about physicality and aggression, and keeping our heads on straight. In our first loss to O’Dea, we lost our heads and had a lot of penalties. We have to stick to the game plan and play with aggression.”
William, it was great catching up with you today. I wish you and the team success against the Fighting Irish.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Reed family; William Reed at Cal
Photo credit: Bodine Photography; No. 54 William Reed