KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- One thing is for certain; David Reese returned with a bang during his season-debut against Tennessee.
Reese and the Gators' defense dominated Jeremy Pruitt's program, forcing six turnovers and physically punishing them.
“It felt good,” Reese said after the game. “We were just hustling to the ball and it felt like the ball was just on our side. I felt like we out-physicalled them, out-toughed them and we set that standard early in the game.”
Jachai Polite and Reese set the tone early. On Tennessee’s first drive, Polite forced a fumble that floated into the air and Reese fell right under it to secure the turnover.
“I’m blessed by that one,” Reese said. “When Jachai Polite just makes hustle plays like that and you’re hustling to the quarterback also, some things just pop into your hands.”
Reese finished with 11 total tackles to lead the team on Saturday. He also recorded a fumble recovery.
It was nothing new for the Farmington, Michigan native, who was all over the field making plays like he has done his entire career.
If you ask his teammates though, that is not his best quality.
“He’s a really good leader,’ said Feleipe Franks. “One of the biggest leaders on our team.
“Having him back out there I think brings a spark to the defense. Like I said, really good player, really good leader, really a special guy. Good to have him back there.”
Reese is the ‘quarterback’ of the defense, and in charge of not only making sure he is in position but his teammates are as well.
The defense had been struggling with maintaining gaps, staying home, making solid tackles and overrunning plays. With Reese back in the fold, the mistakes vanished and defense was humming.
"It feels comfortable out there knowing you've got somebody behind you that can tell you what to shift to, what to do,” said defensive lineman Adam Shuler. “It helps us out a lot and makes us all come together."
Reese is also no stranger to big games and hostile environments. He has played in the SEC Championship game, and at venues like Tennessee, LSU and Florida State.
His calm demeanor and leadership gave the defense the boost they needed to take their game to the next level, and Reese loved being the guy in the middle of it.
“It just felt great to be back out there again,” Reese said. “It was a great stage to play at, Neyland Stadium, seven o’clock. I just had a lot of energy and just wanted my guys to play fast, and I just wanted to lead them.”
Following the loss to Kentucky, the Gators were reeling. The win against Colorado State stopped the bleeding, but the team needed to prove it against a real opponent. They needed a confidence builder to help them take on the remainder of their schedule.
Reese and the defense gave that to them, and now the Gators feel great about what they have going forward.
“This energy that we got right now, especially as a team is great,” Reese said. “It felt great to win and we haven’t had a winning season in a little while so it feels good to be a part of something positive.”
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