Mililani Slot Back Could Have Major Impact On Trojans
In the modern era, the ability to “play fast” is the prevailing theme on the football field, especially since the development of the spread offense.
Around the Mililani football program, all discussions about speed begin with junior-to-be Ryan Reedy.
“We call him Speedy Reedy – he has remarkable speed,” said Mililani head coach Rod York of the slot back/quarterback. “People underestimate his speed, and he burns them. I think he’s only recently discovered how fast he is. He’s also a great student and was a class president.”
Added Reedy: “When I was small, I always used to race the other kids. I’ve always had a thing for speed. It’s one of the reasons why Coach moved me to (slot).”
Reedy also competes in track at Mililani, but the coming weeks will be all about football as the Trojans countdown to the last week in July, when they officially begin their 2012 season.
For the present, the players are not allowed to have full contact, but are nevertheless practicing for the coming season and taking part in 7-on-7 passing league scrimmages.
For his part, Reedy is trying to master two positions – at slot and at quarterback, where he currently is listed No. 2 on the depth chart behind senior-to-be Jarin Morikawa. Morikawa threw for 2,597 yards and 24 touchdowns a year ago.
As a slot back, Reedy’s introduction to Mililani fans was impressive, as he converted his first high school reception into a touchdown in a win over Kapolei last September. He also scored in their loss to Leilehua late in the season.
“I like it (at receiver),” Reedy said. “The adrenaline gets pumping, and you just fly – especially in the big games, the TV games or a playoff game. Ultimately, I’ll play wherever I can to help the team.”
For the next month, Reedy will play a lot of quarterback as Morikawa travels to the Mainland to visit prospective colleges. Reedy’s father, Michael, was a quarterback during his own playing days and helped develop his son during his younger years.
“I’ve always wanted to play quarterback – it’s the position that fits my personality the most,” said the younger Reedy. “Even at quarterback, Coach puts my speed to use. We do a lot of reads and quarterback runs. I’m efficient at that kind of stuff, but I want to be more proficient at throwing and reading coverages (by the defense). The next month should help. I’ll get in a lot of reps.”
The Trojans also have tweaked their spread offense this off-season and spring under the direction of offensive coordinator Timmy Chang. Chang will be departing in a month to join June Jones’ staff at SMU, but is still coaching at Mililani in the interim. York will take over the offense at the beginning of fall camp.
“The offense takes advantage of our strengths,” Reedy said. “Jarin and I and all of the offense have been working together since February on plays and lifting (weights) together. We’ve almost completed getting a full understanding of the new offense.”
