2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Joshua Reed, LB, Grambling State

• Name: Joshua Reed
• Position: Inside/Outside Linebacker
• Height: 6’1″
• Weight: 225 lbs
• School: Grambling State University
• Level: Division I FCS – Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC)
• Twitter: _jreed4
• Instagram: jreeddd4

Talk about your experience as a student. What is your major/minor? Did you participate in any other activities or campus organizations other than football?

Major: Criminal Justice 

I transferred from Blinn CC – still adjusting to the new environment so I haven’t had time to explore extracurriculars as much as I would’ve liked.

What do your teammates say is your best quality?

Teammates tell me I’m fast/strong –  but most importantly I’m a film junkie and can be all over the field. I’m also one of the hardest workers on the team. 

What kind of role do you see yourself in on the team? What scheme and/or position suits your skill set?

Right now I am a mike/will linebacker as well as a defensive captain. I want to be the x-factor that can ultimately win games for us. 

Who is the best player you have ever played against in college?
Aqeel Glass, QB, Alabama A&M 

Felix Harper, QB, Alcorn State

Lyndemian Brooks, RB, Prairie View A&M 

Which one of your teammates impresses you the most?

Lyndon Rash, WR – one of the hardest-working players I’ve ever seen at the position. Really wants to perfect his craft. 

Describe a time in your life when you were able to overcome a struggle.

My mom passed away last season – she had never missed a game before that. It hurt me not having her in the stands. 

If you didn’t play football, what other sport would you play?

Basketball without a doubt. That was the first sport I ever played. Also enjoyed flag football in my earlier days, wanted to see how basketball was because it was more physical at the time. 

What is something that you are most proud of? What would you say is your biggest achievement?

Just being a student in college – I will be the first one in my family to graduate from college and earn a degree. 

Describe one of the most memorable plays of your collegiate career.

Against Jackson State in my first Division I game – I came from the opposite hash and knocked a guy’s helmet off. Sportscenter top 10 play that week. 

Do you have a favorite athlete or professional team? Is there a player that you model your game after?

Ray Lewis is a guy I always looked up to at the linebacker position. Reuben Foster is a more modern example – more undersized but still more physical than most. 

What gets you “pumped up” before a game?

Bonding in the locker room with my teammates. Also sending a prayer to my mom before kickoff. I soak everything in and use it as fuel. 

What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies? Any secret talents?

I like to paint and dance – nothing too crazy. I’m always in the gym working out when I can. 

Why do you play football? Who or what motivates you the most?

I love the game and it has been around me for a long time. My mom also introduced the game to me at a young age. I want to make her proud because we were working for a long time. 

Other notes:

Played at Houston Heights High School – was a RB, TE, and LB. I emphasized LB after my sophomore season. Played at Blinn CC for two years – planning to sign at University of Tennessee but suffered an injury before that could happen. Instead went in the direction of Grambling. Now I have worked my way up the ranks to become a captain and defensive starter.