FORT WALTON BEACH — Amir Reese was always built for the prime time.
The Choctaw defensive back delivered two pick-sixes during last year’s Final 4 run as part of a team-best five interceptions and, to boot, added an 80-yard kickoff return to the house against American Heritage in the state semifinals.
He returns as the face of Choctaw’s vaunted defense for his senior year. And he’ll do so with a commitment to play on Saturdays one for of the premier Pac-12 teams: Oregon State.
After a busy offseason adding muscle to his 5-foot-11, 175-pound frame, Reese committed to the Beavers on what he called “a great fit for me.”
“They have a lot of love and they showed they really care for me,” said Reese, a three-star prospect. “They’re going to treat me well out there, I’m not going to be far from family and it was the right decision.”
Reese said the Beavers see him playing all over: corner back, nickel, slot receiver. Choctaw will also utilize Reese in several roles after shining in all three phases of the game. Only with the Alloway brothers, big bro Alant’e, Zion Legree and many other seniors now graduated, expect Reese’s touches to increase from last year’s 40 tackles, four touchdowns, 10 pass deflections and five picks.
“We want to win a state championship and we’ve been working hard to get there,” Reese said. “I’m just trying to speak up for my teammates, keep them accountable and hold myself accountable. I have to let them know I’m there for them, that I’m that leader.”
That confidence and sound head space is reinforced by Reese’s decision to table the drama of recruiting — he had offers from Georgia Tech, UCF, South Florida, Duke and many more — and focus on Choctaw’s bid to build on last year’s 12-2 run.
“Oregon State brought something different and made me feel wanted,” Reese said. My family and everyone in my corner supported my decision.”
This article originally appeared on Northwest Florida Daily News: Choctaw’s Amir Reese commits to Oregon State
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