Dexter Reese: Football means everything to me. In a world of chaos, it has often been my place of solitude where I find peace, and I am actually able to do something I love.
Joe Gaiter: What is your motivation for playing the game?
Dexter Reese: My motivation to play the game is basically providing a better life for my son, my nephew, and my brothers. It would be a dream come true to become financially stable enough to bless my family and others who are less fortunate from playing the game I love. Also, It would be a true testimony that no matter what struggles you go through in life God has blessings in store as long as you believe.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your season this year?
Dexter Reese: Unfortunately, I was ruled ineligible my senior season for reasons that were out of my control. I did nothing wrong and did receive my degree. Nevertheless, my junior year, I was able to play with many talented players. We absolutely excelled in a new defensive system. I was able to contribute with 11 PBUs with 3 Interceptions, and 50 tackles.
Joe Gaiter: What makes you ready for the NFL?
Dexter Reese: I am ready for the NFL because I am looking forward to compete with the best of the best. I have been waiting on this moment since I was a child, and I have been training my body and mind to compete in the NFL for the approaching moments if God willing.
Joe Gaiter: Who would you compare your football skill to that currently plays in the NFL?
Dexter Reese: I would compare my game to AJ Bouye. I think he does a great job at route recognition. Therefore, he is able to run routes for receivers and make plays on balls. He has great hips and a tempo to be admired. I feel this permits him to press receivers or play off coverage. Also, he will come down and make tackles consistently with control and physicality.
Joe Gaiter: Who is your agent and why did you chose them?
Dexter Reese: My agent is Ian Clarke from DSE Management Group, which was founded by Ivan De Irish. They both showed great passion in making sure I excel and accomplish my dream of playing in the NFL. They have gained my trust by going out of their way to show support and make sure my talents have been showcased.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have any regrets over your college career?
Dexter Reese: I have two regrets over my college career. I wish I would have done more to gain weight over the four years so I wouldn’t have to be worried about gaining a lot of weight before my pro day. Also, on the field I would have played more special teams. I also would have never taken a play off even if the ball didn’t come to my side.
Joe Gaiter: Describe yourself in 3 words.
Dexter Reese: Confident, Explosive, Prepared.
Joe Gaiter: If you could go back to your freshman year, what would you do differently?
Dexter Reese: Freshman year I would have tried to get more sleep. As a freshman, I worked at Wendy’s at night, I attended school full-time, I took care of my son, and I started at CB for the Bulldogs, which often left me with less than 3 hours of sleep per night. I did have help with my son from my brother and his mother but we were all young trying to balance school and jobs.
Joe Gaiter: What separates you from other athletes that play your same position?
Dexter Reese: I think I have amazing ball skills and ability to jump and run with receivers. This allows me to make plays on a lot of balls. Also, I have a great football IQ which allows me to recognize splits and route that gives me ideas of where the ball is going pre-snap read. Also, my passion to become a great corner in the NFL and making plays beats the fear of failure.
Joe Gaiter: What has your biggest accomplishment?
Dexter Reese: My biggest accomplishment is being a father. One of my most profound experiences that correlates my son and football is winning Magic City Classic MVP while he was at my game watching me. He was young and didn’t fully understand, but I was able to catch an interception, and they have me on camera running to where he was sitting and pointing at him. It was a dream come true.
Joe Gaiter: Do you have a backup plan if you don’t make it to the NFL?
Dexter Reese: I have backup options in case I do not make it to the NFL, which include utilizing my accountant degree or getting my masters in Kinesiology and starting a gym. I’ll be happy doing either as long as I am providing for my son.
Joe Gaiter: When is your proday/combine?
Dexter Reese: My pro-day is set to take place March 17 in Tuscaloosa.
Joe Gaiter: Where and how often are you training?
Dexter Reese: I train in Huntsville, AL with DBL Training with Lonnie Brown. I train 5 days a week Monday–Friday from 6 AM to 12PM.
Joe Gaiter: Final words.
Dexter Reese: I would just like to Thank God because none of this is possible without him. He has really turned my struggles into triumph. I am happy to be blessed with this opportunity to take strives in achieving my dream. Also, I would like to thank everyone who has believed in me and prayed for me over the years. Special Shoutouts to: my son Ayden Reese, my brothers Courtland Gates and Gabriel Gates, coaches Travis Pearson, Matt Sanders, Clifton Drummonds, my Agent Ian Clarke and Ivan De Irish, and my trainer Lonnie Brown.
