With a solid group of verbal commitments already in hand, Head Coach David Cutcliffe and the Duke coaching staff are looking to add another impact player or two to the class of 2011. For the past several months, Alabama TE David Reeves has been near the top of the Blue Devils’ wish list. The 6’5” 242 pound prospect from Greensboro East High School is the type of athlete that would have an immediate impact on the field in Durham. Reeves has earned praise from scouts and coaches for his great size, speed, and hands. The 2011 Alabama Sports Writers Association 3A Lineman of the Year, Reeves has also excelled on the basketball court and the track and field team for Greensboro. Blue Devil Nation recently spoke with the highly-coveted prospect about his recruitment.

BDN: For those fans who haven’t had a chance to see you play in person, can you describe in your own words some of your strengths as a player?

Well, I think that with my speed, I create mismatches with most linebackers, and with my size, most safeties won’t be able to cover me and jump with me. I play basketball, too, so I don’t think they can jump with me. I think that I have the awareness to be able to adjust to where I need to be.

BDN: I know some schools have talked about recruiting you for different positions. What position would you prefer to play in college where you think you can have the best impact?

Well, I really like tight end, so that’d be it.

BDN: It certainly sounds like your skill set is well-suited for that. You were named the 3A Lineman of the Year, which is a nice honor, so congratulations for that. How would you describe your senior year and what do you think led to your success this season?

Personally, I feel like I did a lot better. I was doing all the little things right this year. This is my last year, I want to make sure I leave an impression and make the young kids want to do good – do better than what I did.

BDN: Can you talk a little bit about where you are in the recruitment process?

Ok, well, as signing day comes closer, it’s going to get pretty hectic. I’ve got to remember that it’s a business and I can’t let the relationships I’ve build with the coaches that are recruiting me make me feel bad if I choose to go somewhere else. I’ve just got to keep in mind that it’s all business and the schools that I don’t go to, they’ll understand.

BDN: I think Duke was the first school you took an official visit to back in December. Can you talk about that visit and what your thoughts are on the Duke program?

Duke has been recruiting me since mid-season, yeah, I’d say about mid-season. Coach Middleton is my recruiting coach and he’s also the tight end coach. I had a good time when I came down. It was a lot different than I expected it to be. I had a lot of fun when I went out with the players and stuff and I really got along with them good. I think they’re trying to do something big – make a name for Duke football on the campus, and that’s where I could probably help them get it done.

BDN: You recently visited South Florida. Can you talk a little about that visit and their program?

Yeah, I had a good time. I enjoyed the city, enjoyed the people. Also, their Coach Scott, Coach Larry Scott, he’s my recruiting coach there and he’s also my tight end coach, so it’s the same way it is at Duke. I enjoyed the players and the time I spent with them, and the facilities and all that too. They’re still an up and coming program, but they’re going in the right direction also.

BDN: Do you have any other visits planned between now and signing day?

Well, I’ve got Memphis this week and possibly Mississippi State next week, but I think that I’ll probably make a decision between now and next weekend.

BDN: So Memphis this weekend and then a decision sometime next week?

Yeah.

BDN: Without necessarily talking about any specific schools, as you step back and make your college choice, what are some of the most important things you’re looking for in a school and a football program?

The overall atmosphere and support for the football players and football program. And the fan base, like, the exposure and all that. Mostly, the people like the coaches and the players. Yeah, the players are the most important because they’re going to be around all the time and if you don’t like them, you can’t have a good time in college.

BDN: That’s a great perspective to have. Growing up in Alabama and SEC country, how much have you followed the ACC and the Big East and what are your thoughts on those conferences and their style of play?

Well, yeah, you know I’m from an SEC area and it’s a big thing, you know, SEC football. I know that there’s competition everywhere, though, so I know that just because I’m not going to like a big SEC school, I’m still going to be competing with some of the best athletes in the country.

BDN: Thanks so much, David. I know you’re busy, so I just want to thank you for taking the time to talk with us and congratulate you on your success. I know we all wish you the best of luck with your decision.

Alright, thanks, I appreciate that.

David's senior year highlights can be viewed here.