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Florida Football: Top 5 prospects for 2020 NFL Draft

By Briley Hughes

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a fourth quarter rushing touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 29: Lamical Perine #22 of the Florida Gators is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a fourth quarter rushing touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images) /
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GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 03: Barrett Banister #30 of the Missouri Tigers rushes for yardage against David Reese II #33 of the Florida Gators during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 03: Barrett Banister #30 of the Missouri Tigers rushes for yardage against David Reese II #33 of the Florida Gators during the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

5. David Reese, LB

David Reese – or “Mr. Reese” depending on who you are talking to – commands a high level of respect in the Gator locker room. On a team that lost several vocal leaders this offseason, Reese fills the role of the undisputed senior leader for the Gators’ defense – a position he relishes.

Though he doesn’t necessarily blow observers away with his measurables (6-foot, 244-pounds), Reese excels because of his smarts and motor. No Gator since Brandon Spikes has recorded 300 career tackles. With 244 career tackles entering this season, that stat will change to no Gator since David Reese if all goes according to plan.

Not only is Reese a calming presence on the field, but he’s also always pushing his teammates to improve and give 100 percent. “Ever since I’ve been here, he’s always led the way, shown what you’re supposed to do, what you’re not supposed to do,” fellow linebacker James Houston says of Reese.

NFL executives always emphasize character in their prospects (whether they actually care is another story), and David Reese fits the mold of the exemplary player and leader.

Injuries have stolen several games from Reese in the past few seasons, which will be concerning to NFL teams. However, Reese has also proven his toughness by battling through those injuries and maintaining a high level of play.

If he can stay healthy, Reese will certainly find himself playing on Sundays in the near future.

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