You've got to admit, though, while watching the Arizona State standout in his NFL debut with the Houston Texans tonight, Reed's flowing, luscious locks look eerily similar to those of Matthews.
With similar size and speed as Matthews at the outside linebacking position, Reed is more than just a carbon-copy in terms of looks–if you don't agree that the two have a similar physical appearance then take a gander at the below photos.
In his two seasons roaming the defensive backfield at the Frozen Tundra, Matthews racked up 90 tackles, 23.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, one interception and 11 passes defensed in 28 starts on his way to two Pro Bowl appearances and an All Pro team.
But more importantly, Matthews III has already established himself as an NFL workhorse and is one of the most well-known outside 'backers in the game. Even the casual football fans know that Matthews has the ability to run sideline-to-sideline and make big plays.
What was Reed's rep at Arizona State like? Oddly similar to that of Matthews. Playing all four years at Univ. of Arizona, Reed recorded 114 tackles and 17 sacks in 34 career collegiate starts. Though he played end a lot in Arizona, Reed is versatile and has the ability to play both DE and OLB.
With 4.6 speed, Reed, too, has a wide range and can cover both sides of the field. Watching video from his Arizona career it looks as though he was in on a majority of the plays and had a knack for finding the ball-carrier. Though I would categorize him as more of a pass-rusher, obviously, I do think he can contribute to stopping the run in Houston as well.
Considering he hasn't even played a full game in the NFL yet–and it's week one of the preseason for crying out loud–one could say this is all a bit premature. But the potential for a Matthews-type 'backer is certainly there for Houston. Especially when you consider he will be playing alongside the likes of Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans and fellow rookie (first round pick) J.J. Watt in Wade Phillips' new-look defense.
Houston's 29th overall defense from a year ago has nowhere to go but up in 2011, and with a revamped defense and high-flying offense led by Schaub, Foster and Johnson, Houston may be the team to beat in the South this season. Not Indianapolis.
My, oh my are the tables turning.
**Photos found on Google, no copyright infringement intended**
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