From the outfield to the Scarlet Knights
Dextavion Reese began his athletic journey on the baseball diamond, spending his childhood chasing fly balls in the outfield and envisioning a future built around the sport.
When he entered Hephzibah High School, the Georgia prospect’s focus shifted. Coach Daniel Dorsey, spotting untapped potential during drills, repositioned the three‑star recruit to wide receiver, later sliding him to outside linebacker as a freshman. The move unlocked a new passion, turning football into an emotional outlet that helped Reese escape the pressures of everyday life.
By his junior year, Reese had amassed 79 tackles, five pass deflections, four interceptions and 215 receiving yards with two touchdowns, numbers that attracted 24 Division‑I programs. Among them, Rutgers stood out for its consistent recruitment effort, ultimately becoming his top choice.
On June 5, 2027, during an official visit, Reese verbally committed to the Scarlet Knights. He will arrive on campus in the fall of 2027 with a near‑six‑figure name, image and likeness (NIL) deal already secured, a financial boost that reflects the growing market for elite high school talent.
To sharpen his football prowess, Reese abandoned baseball in his junior season and turned to track, chasing a 4.4‑second 40‑yard dash that he hopes will translate into on‑field speed. His personal targets for the final high school campaign include surpassing 1,000 offensive yards and recording six interceptions, goals he says are within reach thanks to relentless preparation.
Coach Dorsey praised Reese’s growth, noting that the youngster has lived up to the expectations set for him, while Reese himself expressed confidence that his athletic milestones are attainable.