I traded DMs with new Wildcat commit Jason Reynolds yesterday. I may just hold onto it and make a signing date story out of it, but here is our Q&A:
1.What did it feel like to get your first offer from a P5 school three days before Signing Day? It must’ve been a thrill. How did it go down?
JR: It was a surreal experience. I’ve heard stories about situations like this, but I never thought it would be something I encountered. I was on an official visit with another school when I received a text from Coach McGargle asking me to call him. I figured it was just a check-in call that coaches typically make so I waited and contacted him on Sunday night once my visit was over. I called, planning to update him on my recruiting activity. Immediately, he offered me - that was it! With Northwestern being my dream school, I feel like it was God’s timing. It’s made this journey that much more special!
2.What were the reasons you chose to commit to Northwestern? What makes it the right place for you?
JR: The three main factors that went into my decision making process were location, education and opportunity. Since Northwestern is only 20 minutes away from Chicago, it is the perfect place to begin this new chapter in my life. Of course, the academic reputation of the school is outstanding so it checked that box easily. When considering schools throughout the recruiting process, I placed special attention on the ones that would provide me with the best opportunity off the field. The Northwestern alumni network is outstanding and I look forward to connecting with this community. Lastly, playing time is extremely important to me as a person who loves the game. I want to work and contribute to the team as much as possible. I’m excited to compete as a Wildcat and I feel like I have a genuine shot to get on the field within the next couple years.
3.How long has Northwestern been recruiting you? Did you visit this weekend?
JR: I first was contacted in October but Coach Payton reached out in December to ask for transcripts. The relationship with the coaches continued to grow from there. I visited on January 14th. The staff and the facilities were amazing!
4.What role does Coach McGarigle see you playing in NU’s defense?
JR: He’s always talked about athleticism so I feel like my role would be more versatile from weak side LB and maybe float to some other spots. I’m extremely excited to see how the program can help me develop. I’m 17 so I look forward to seeing how my body continues to change as I work hard. My physical development will be a critical factor in the position I play.
5.What are your strengths as a player? What do coaches like about your game and what do you think you’ll bring to the table at NU?
JR: As a linebacker, I love hitting and I feel I can lead a defense if this is where the team needs me. The game has increasingly become more cognitive. The mental aspect of the game has to be present in every player to be successful, no matter what level. My coaches have always told me I play smart football so I think this is an asset for me. Moreover, I have length - especially my arms and good speed for passing lanes. By maximizing what I have naturally, and continuing to hone my speed and strength, I can add another dimension to the linebacker position.
6.What was your plan if Northwestern hadn’t offered you? Were you close to committing to another school, or were you waiting for them to offer?
JR: I had several offers from other high academic FBS schools, Ivy Leagues, and Service Academies, but I was looking for a program that had the best of both worlds. Coach McGarigle called me with this amazing opportunity, and I HAD to take it!
7. I watched your highlight tape and was honestly surprised you didn’t have any other P5 offers. How did you slip under the radar?
JR: I think there were a couple of factors. I play for a small school in Georgia, 30 minutes south of Atlanta. Sometimes small schools get overlooked because of the schedule they play. With that being said, our Coach set up an SEC like schedule over the last couple years with nationally ranked teams including Lowndes, St. Xavier - Ohio, and Ware County. Also, I was banged up this summer from track season, so I only went to a couple camps late in the summer. The tough schedule and the film I had against these teams made a huge difference..especially since most teams caught me late in the process. It was extremely fun to challenge ourselves by playing D-1 players week in and week out and it made me a better player.
8.What’s one unique thing about Jason Reynolds that Northwestern fans should know?
JR: Hard to keep it to one thing
I have Jamaican heritage that I’m extremely proud of. Also, I have a lot of educators in my family. I have an aunt and a cousin that are Northwestern alums so I’m bringing a cheering section. Lastly, I just love football and want to bring that to NU.
1.What did it feel like to get your first offer from a P5 school three days before Signing Day? It must’ve been a thrill. How did it go down?
JR: It was a surreal experience. I’ve heard stories about situations like this, but I never thought it would be something I encountered. I was on an official visit with another school when I received a text from Coach McGargle asking me to call him. I figured it was just a check-in call that coaches typically make so I waited and contacted him on Sunday night once my visit was over. I called, planning to update him on my recruiting activity. Immediately, he offered me - that was it! With Northwestern being my dream school, I feel like it was God’s timing. It’s made this journey that much more special!
2.What were the reasons you chose to commit to Northwestern? What makes it the right place for you?
JR: The three main factors that went into my decision making process were location, education and opportunity. Since Northwestern is only 20 minutes away from Chicago, it is the perfect place to begin this new chapter in my life. Of course, the academic reputation of the school is outstanding so it checked that box easily. When considering schools throughout the recruiting process, I placed special attention on the ones that would provide me with the best opportunity off the field. The Northwestern alumni network is outstanding and I look forward to connecting with this community. Lastly, playing time is extremely important to me as a person who loves the game. I want to work and contribute to the team as much as possible. I’m excited to compete as a Wildcat and I feel like I have a genuine shot to get on the field within the next couple years.
3.How long has Northwestern been recruiting you? Did you visit this weekend?
JR: I first was contacted in October but Coach Payton reached out in December to ask for transcripts. The relationship with the coaches continued to grow from there. I visited on January 14th. The staff and the facilities were amazing!
4.What role does Coach McGarigle see you playing in NU’s defense?
JR: He’s always talked about athleticism so I feel like my role would be more versatile from weak side LB and maybe float to some other spots. I’m extremely excited to see how the program can help me develop. I’m 17 so I look forward to seeing how my body continues to change as I work hard. My physical development will be a critical factor in the position I play.
5.What are your strengths as a player? What do coaches like about your game and what do you think you’ll bring to the table at NU?
JR: As a linebacker, I love hitting and I feel I can lead a defense if this is where the team needs me. The game has increasingly become more cognitive. The mental aspect of the game has to be present in every player to be successful, no matter what level. My coaches have always told me I play smart football so I think this is an asset for me. Moreover, I have length - especially my arms and good speed for passing lanes. By maximizing what I have naturally, and continuing to hone my speed and strength, I can add another dimension to the linebacker position.
6.What was your plan if Northwestern hadn’t offered you? Were you close to committing to another school, or were you waiting for them to offer?
JR: I had several offers from other high academic FBS schools, Ivy Leagues, and Service Academies, but I was looking for a program that had the best of both worlds. Coach McGarigle called me with this amazing opportunity, and I HAD to take it!
7. I watched your highlight tape and was honestly surprised you didn’t have any other P5 offers. How did you slip under the radar?
JR: I think there were a couple of factors. I play for a small school in Georgia, 30 minutes south of Atlanta. Sometimes small schools get overlooked because of the schedule they play. With that being said, our Coach set up an SEC like schedule over the last couple years with nationally ranked teams including Lowndes, St. Xavier - Ohio, and Ware County. Also, I was banged up this summer from track season, so I only went to a couple camps late in the summer. The tough schedule and the film I had against these teams made a huge difference..especially since most teams caught me late in the process. It was extremely fun to challenge ourselves by playing D-1 players week in and week out and it made me a better player.
8.What’s one unique thing about Jason Reynolds that Northwestern fans should know?
JR: Hard to keep it to one thing
I have Jamaican heritage that I’m extremely proud of. Also, I have a lot of educators in my family. I have an aunt and a cousin that are Northwestern alums so I’m bringing a cheering section. Lastly, I just love football and want to bring that to NU.
