The Virginia football program picked up its second commitment of the weekend when linebacker Isaiah Reese made the call for the Cavaliers. The New Hampshire prospect joined Donovan Robinson, who picked UVA on Friday, as Class of 2025 commits.
Reese, the eighth commit in the cycle, made the announcement on social media.
Truly blessed and thankful to call University of Virginia my future home! #Committed @KoachAdams @CoachV1781 @PEAFootball @UVAFootball @Coach_TerryHeff @CarinaH_FB @ExonianSports pic.twitter.com/xTnPtLuKzD
— Isaiah Reese (@isaiahrees3) April 21, 2024
This commitment also makes it two defensive recruits for the weekend. Like Robinson, Reese projects as a linebacker. The 6’3″, 200-pounder out of Phillips Exeter Academy has the build of what is clearly becoming the prototype for defensive coordinator John Rudzinski. Looking at the 2023 through 2025 linebackers pick-ups, Virginia has focused on players like Kam Robinson (6’2″, 227 pounds) and Landon Danley (6’2″, 199) in 2023, Myles Brown (6’3″, 195 pounds) in 2024, Donovan Robinson (6’3″, 210) in 2025, and now Reese all have a similar profile as well.
With two linebacker deployed on the field frequently in the schemes, Virginia wants players with range to get outside and make plays or defend in space, but also the ability to stay inside and defend in the box. Linebackers James Jackson (6’3″, 236) and Kam Robinson ranked second and third on the team in tackles with 80 and 71 respectively last fall, for example.
Reese showed the ability to fill those requirements last fall at Phillips Exeter. He had 2 interceptions and a strip sack in the team’s season-opening win against Suffield Academy for example. He also played offense for the team where he flashed some ball skills as well, including a 50-yard touchdown on a screen pass that saw him break multiple tackles against Andover.
After receiving the Virginia offer in January, Reese returned to Charlottesville for a visit this weekend as the Hoos hosted their annual Spring Game. Reese committed after that visit. He’s currently unrated on 247 Sports.
High school highlights for Reese can be found on his Hudl profile here.
Reese and Robinson appear to be good fits for UVA Football. Congrats to the Coaches that recruited them.