Another young Samoan football player is making his presence known on the football field. Gabe Reid, who is a Senior at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, recently announced his commitment to Stanford University.

Gabe’s father is Spencer Reid, a former Leone High School player and a former NFL Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts player.

Gabe is a 6’2, 225 pound defender who played defensive end and outside linebacker, and helped the Thunderbirds capture three consecutive Class 4A state titles in Utah, which certainly caught the attention of colleges such as Brigham Young University, Arizona, Arizona State, Washington, Washington State, Utah and Utah State. Reid is considered one of the state’s top football prospects this year.

According to the Salt Lake Tribune online, www.sltrib.com, Reid recorded 251 tackles and 41 sacks while helping the Thunderbirds capture three consecutive Class 4A state titles. According to college football online reports, Reid has awesome pass rush potential because of the way he can bend around the edge. He can adjust his body to get extremely low and make it incredibly difficult for a offensive tackle to get their hands on him. He can also convert speed to power and his lateral quickness is called "remarkable."

The young Reid contacted Samoa News via email, saying he is elated about going to Stanford. “You can’t beat their education. My parents taught me that football is not a lifetime thing and that you have to have a great education— and Stanford offered the best opportunity for that,” he said. He also said that he wishes all of the athletes here in the territory the best of luck.

Added Gabe’s father, Spencer, “We feel with Stanford, that their education and support system, is the best option for everything Gabe needed to consider. It was either Stanford, or stay in-state for Gabe. We feel great about his decision.”

Reid’s grandfather, Eugene Reid stated that he and the family are really proud of what Gabe has accomplished and hopes that he can keep up the great work.

Football is no stranger to the Reid family. Spencer Reid who played linebacker at BYU, was named second-team All-WAC in 1997 before signing with the National Football League’s (NFL) Carolina Panthers in 1998, and later for the Indianapolis Colts. The young Reid’s uncle, Gabriel Reid who also played for Leone High School, was also a BYU player who played tight end from 1999-2002, before playing for the Chicago Bears in the NFL from 2003-2006.

Before Gabe straps on the pads for Stanford, though, he will be fulfilling his two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

In the meantime, Gabe’s younger brother Karene, who is a Freshman at Timpview, is following in his brother’s footsteps by playing for the Thunderbirds.