In-state QB Marcel Reed impressed by Vols in first game at Neyland Stadium
Marcel Reed had been to Tennessee’s campus before. The 2023 in-state quarterback from Montgomery Bell Academy in Nashville had never been to Neyland Stadium for a game, however.
That changed earlier this month when Reed made his way east to take in the Vols game against Ole Miss.
“I had a really good time up there,” Reed told VolQuest. “It was such a great atmosphere, getting to do the Vol Walk, that was pretty cool.
“There were a lot of people there and even at the end of the game when they started throwing stuff — the fans just love the team and it was nothing bad that the recruits saw. We didn’t really think of it as a bad thing or that they were bad people. Just really cool seeing Neyland for the first time. It was bigger than I expected. I was in there over the summer for a camp but it was empty and didn’t seem that big. With people in there, it was really cool.”
There wasn’t one thing particular Reed was looking to see on his visit to Tennessee. After watching several UT games on TV this season, he just wanted to see Josh Heupel’s offense in person.
“It was a really good game,” Reed said. “It’s crazy to see how well Tennessee has progressed. This year is probably their best year they’ve had in awhile. It’s really exciting to see because of the new coaching staff and I’m really taking into account that it’s a top school because in the next few years they’re really going to be a top contender.”
Reed, who is the son of former Tennessee State head coach Rod Reed, was equally impressed with Tennessee’s coaching staff as he was the Neyland Stadium environment.
The 6-foot-2, 186-pound signal-caller has developed strong relationships with Tennessee’s offensive coaches, particularly Vols offensive coordinator Alex Golesh.
“We have a really good relationship,” Reed said. “We talk about every other week and keep in touch. He asks how I’m doing and how my season is going. Our relationship is really good.”
Tennessee was the fifth school Reed has visited to this point in the season. He visited Florida, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt prior to making his way over to Knoxville. Reed then saw the Vols the following weekend in Tuscaloosa as they took on Alabama.
Reed is planning on also visiting Georgia, Indiana and Louisville in the coming weeks.
“Schools that are standing out to me are Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Ole Miss and I haven’t gotten over to Texas A&M this year, but they stand out to me,” Reed said. “And Louisville as well.”
Reed isn’t in a hurry to make a decision. He’ll soak in the recruiting process over the offseason and once it does come time to make a decision, the relationships he’s developed will help him pick a school.
“I’m sure after football season I’ll be contacted a lot and staying in touch and getting to different schools,” Reed said. “Just the relationships I have and the school itself, the academics and just overall, seeing how well the team does in their seasons before I go there. Plus, how the coaches and players interact with each other. That’ll all be important to me.”
Reed is considered a three-star by Rivals and the No. 5 overall dual-threat quarterback in the country for the class of 2023.