As one of the most talented athletes to ever come out of Lowndes High, it seemed that the sky was the limit for Greg Reid. However, despite rapidly becoming a star at Florida State University, perseverance and faith became the name of the game for Greg. Battling through injuries, off-the-field issues, and personal hardships, Greg’s determination and unrelenting effort has once again propelled him back to glory, securing the 2015 AFL Rookie of the Year Award. Read below as the former Lowndes, FSU, St. Louis Rams, and now Jacksonville Sharks standout player recaps his journey and gives advice to current student-athletes aspiring to play at the next level.
In the Game: Give us a summary of your athletic career, from your youth to today.Greg Reid: I was born in Valdosta, Georgia and raised in Clyattville. I played primarily football from the time I could walk. I did play basketball in middle school and a little in high school and I ran track each year except my senior year. I played on offense and defense in high school , as a running back and corner. I also played on special teams. I believe I hold some records, but I am not sure which. My college career did not end as planned at FSU or VSU, but I believe that I have learned a great deal from both experiences. I worked with the Rams organization for a short time, but did not make the final roster and this past year, I played for the Jacksonville Sharks arena league. I am still working on getting to the next level and am blessed to continue to play the game that I love.
ITG: What is your proudest moment/favorite memory from your high school career?
GR: Winning state my junior year of high school!
ITG: Do you still keep in touch with your teammates from high school? If so, which ones?
GR: I still keep in touch with most all of my high school teammates in some regard, even if it is just through social media. However, I still talk to many of them on a regular basis.
ITG: What do you remember about the recruiting process from high school to college? Is there any advice you would give to someone in the midst of it or about to enter into it?
GR: Recruiting was overwhelming and head-spinning! It is important to not lose focus. For me my senior year was the most difficult year of high school because I was playing “catch up” with grades—it was the point where I realized that passing wasn’t all that was needed to get to the next level. The difference between college and pro is that colleges really recruit you—they want you. On the professional level, I feel that you need them more than they need you and it is much more competitive. There are great players that never make a professional roster.
ITG: How would you advise student-athletes on how to choose which college to attend?
GR: Your college choice should be considered carefully. You need to have a fit with the coaches and the current players. Also, it is important to look at what the college currently has in regard to players. For example, I know I needed to go to a college that needed me immediately. I had to be able to play sooner than later, and I looked at where the need for my position was as well. Academic support services were also important, and should be considered. Travel time for family to visit and come see you play is also important. We have limited time to “go home” and if home is very far or if you do not have a car, the distance to the college is an important factor, too. I was fortunate to have a college that was far enough away from home to separate myself from what I needed to be away from, but also close enough be able to see those people who were positive influences for me as well.
ITG: What are the main differences, in your opinion, between being a student-athlete in high school and being a student-athlete in college?
GR: Time management is important, and in college, it is even more important. The academic side of college is different too because in college, especially state universities, the majority of the student body is there because they were at the top of their class—everyone is smart. Therefore, you have to be more focused in order to do everything required.
ITG: Which have you enjoyed most? Playing as a kid, in high school, college, or the pros (if applicable)? Why?
GR: I enjoyed my college career the most because I was able to play at the best university in America—Florida State University.
ITG: If you could give any advice, tips, or encouragement to any high school student-athletes that are aspiring to play at the next level, what would that be?
GR: The best advice I can give is to keep faith. Believe in your dreams and never give up on them, regardless of how tough the road gets because it is only a test to your faith. How you handle obstacles determines your outcome, and everyone will face obstacles. I have learned it is what you do after that often determines what happens next.
Which former ITG athlete would you would like to hear from? What would you ask them, if given the chance? Please send those suggestions to news@inthegamemagazine.com for your chance to make that wish a reality!
