Head coach Kirby Smart and three players took to the stage Tuesday morning and talked to the media. J.R. Reed was one of the three chosen to attend the event in Atlanta. The junior defensive back kept his answers short, sweet and to the point. Reed told the media that getting the opportunity to come to SEC Media days meant the world to him. Coach Smart made the comment that the leadership skills he brings to the team are why he was chosen to make the trip.
“Since I’ve got here coach Smart has coached me very hard. For him to say that about me really means a lot,” Reed states.
With those newfound leadership skills comes more responsibilities, and Reed seems ready to take the challenge. Last season he was one of the newcomers, a recent transfer from Tulsa. He hung back and observed what it took to become a leader of the defense.
“Well, last year I was really inexperienced on the team,” Reed comments. “I was almost like a young guy on the team even though I was older in my first year playing at Georgia. Now, my role has switched to be the older guy playing, and I know how to relate to guys that are playing their first year.”
Reed now has a full year under his belt. According to Smart, he’s emerged as one of those leaders that aren’t afraid to hold his teammates accountable. Georgia needs guys like this after losing its dynamic leaders last season. Reed appears to have taken the responsibility and ran with it.
Below, check out what the junior defensive back had to say in the rest of his interview.