2026 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Reggie Grimes II, DL, University of Memphis

• Name: Reggie Grimes II
• Position: DL
• College: University of Memphis
• Height: 6’4”
• Weight: 268 lbs
• X: @iamreggiegrimes
• Instagram: @iamreggiegrimesii

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Well my dad played in the league when I was a lot younger, and seeing and hearing stories about him when he played made me want to play too, so I started playing and 6 and never looked back.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

Okay so I have a few, my first being when I scored my first touchdown as a kid, my dad was my coach (I played tight end) and we’d go out every night after I was done with my homework to catch, and for whatever reason when it came time for the game, I never could make that big play, so when I finally did, it was pretty special. 

My second one is probably the first game of my junior year, we played UTEP, and my grandmother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time. If anyone knows me, knows she’s my rock, and this could’ve been the last game she came to, so it was important to put on a show. I had a really good game that day and found her immediately after. She’s been cancer free for a few years now but at the time it was pretty scary.

What are you looking to achieve as a football player going forward?

Growth, wellbeing, and the ability to continue to play the game I love for years to come.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day, who and why?

Shaun Alexander easily, he’s my Godfather and I don’t get to see him much anymore.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

Definitely more partial to a 4-3 or a 4-2-5, but I’ve played and produced in a 3-3 stack as well so it’s really whatever puts me in the position to make plays.

What should we know about Reggie Grimes II the person?

I’m a Christian, family oriented man, who loves football and working on cars.

What stands out about your film the most?

I think my hands and closing speed.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

I fall back on my foundation, my family, and understand that it’s okay to not be okay, and everything can be used as a learning experience if you have the right mindset.

What would a team get in a player like you?

A high effort guy who’s willing to learn and do whatever it takes to put the team in the best position to win.

What do you love the most about the game of football?

The camaraderie and the ability to make plays that can change your family’s life.

Who is the most underrated player you’ve played with and why?

In high school? A guy named Bryan Rice, undersized but a hell of a competitor, motivator, and leader.

In college? David Ugwoegbu, dynamic playmaker and really took me under his wing when I got to Oklahoma.