Virginia Football Announces Defensive Lineman Samson Reed As Early Signee

Virginia football wasn’t quite through with the early signing period announcements, revealing this morning that one more player has officially signed with the program. Samson Reed, a 6’2”, 265-pound defensive lineman out of Kahuku High School in Hawaii, becomes the 19th class of 2018 recruit to sign with the Hoos during Division 1 football’s early signing period.

The early signing period began on Wednesday, December 20 and ends Friday, December 22. The regular signing period begins Wednesday, February 7.

A 3-year starter on the varsity level, Reed earned first-team all-state honors his senior season, during which he accumulated 52 tackles including 23 tackles for loss and nine sacks. He verbally committed to Virginia in June of 2017, choosing the Cavaliers over offers from BYU, Fresno State, Hawaii, Nevada, San Diego State and Washington State.

“I actually signed [Wednesday, December 20] but was going to wait to announce in February with the rest of my team,” wrote Reed, who changed his mind and decided to have UVA announce the news early.

“It’s the best feeling knowing that I’ll be part of this awesome school and program,” he added.

Reed is one of two defensive line prospects who signed early with Virginia, joining Florida standout Jordan Redmond. The consensus 3-star recruits are particularly important considering UVA just lost sophomore defensive ends Juwan Moye and Steven Wright, who are transferring out of the program. Virginia returns only three defensive linemen with any significant game experience next season, leaving plenty of playing time up for grabs.

Coach Bronco Mendenhall said on December 20 that adding another defensive lineman is a need in this class. This likely remains the case even with Reed’s announcement.