UGA defensive back J.R. Reed is the son of former NFL wide receiver Jake Reed. The elder Reed survived 12 seasons in the League with Minnesota and New Orleans, accumulating four 1,000 yard seasons, including a high of 1,320 in 1996. Naturally, J.R. grew up around the game and got plenty of advice from his dad as his career began to take shape.
 
 

Always being around legends like my dad and Chris Carter inspires you to be like them – strive to be the best.
 
I played receiver but, actually, my dad told me that I’m going to have a future on defense, so that’s what I’m doing now.

 
 
Reed had a realistic view of his status when he transferred from Tulsa to Georgia:
 
 

I have always believed in myself, and I knew I was a good player. I always believed that I had a chance and the coaches told me that if I work hard, I’d always have a chance. That’s how I came in – my mindset.
 
Sitting out last year made me a lot more hungry, just seeing some of the games… Scout team, I really gave it my all – Coach Smart told me to do that.

 
 
J.R. is ready for the 2017 season to begin. He is acutely aware of himself as a football player and his prepared to break out of his dad’s shadow:
 
 

When you have an NFL father you have to build your own reputation because you will always be ‘former NFL player Jake Reed son’ but now I’m ready to start building my own rep.