Hayden Reed has been the ultimate Army teammate this season.
Reed has done whatever was needed for the Black Knights to have success. He has blocked and caught the occasional pass while playing most of his snaps as a slotback.
Army coaches will ask more of Reed in today’s Independence Bowl. Reed is returning to B-back, Army’s fullback and featured position, with the departure of 1,000-yard rusher Kanye Udoh. *-entered the transfer portal after the Army-Navy game and has committed to Arizona State.
“I got great coaches here and they are going to spend as much time with me to make sure I’m prepared,” said Reed about the switch to fullback during an interview with Black Knight Nation last week. “I’m not worried about it but it’s definitely a different attack mentally for me for the game. I just need to make sure that I know my assignment and what I have to do for each play.”
Reed has carried the ball only 20 times for 93 yards this season and only eight times in his last six games. Army’s coaching staff has talked about Reed being one of the team’s most talented offensive players. But, he’s been a bit of a forgotten player in the Black Knights’ play-calling this season. Reed has shown that he can handle an increased workload. He rushed for a career-high 107 yards on 20 carries in a win over UTSA last season.
Army coach Jeff Monken said Reed and sophomores Jake Rendina and Carson Smith would likely received the B-back snaps against Louisiana Tech in the bowl game.
When asked if he welcomed the opportunity to run the ball more, Reed said, “It’s pretty cool but at the end of the day, it’s whatever coach Monken needs out me, I’m going to do.”
Reed has caught six passes, including three receptions and Army’s only touchdown against Navy in the Black Knights’ last game. He’s credited slotbacks coach Dane Romero for making an impact when Army throws the football.
“That’s (receiving) not something that I was used to personally,” Reed said. “He’s definitely helped me out.”
Whether it’s running, catching or blocking, Reed is looking forward to his bowl debut.
“It’s my first bowl game,” Reed said. “I’m very excited for it. Obviously what happened (against Navy, a 31-13 loss) is not the outcome that we wanted. We are focused on our next game. It’s a great opportunity.”
