Winston Reid - from Walk-On to All-American - Weber State University Athletics

Out of high school Reid had no offers to play college football so he chose to attend his dad's alma mater and trust in his talents to make a name for himself. That is exactly what he's done. In 2022 he earned All-American and All-Big Sky honors and at the start of the 2023 season was named a preseason All-American and the Big Sky Defensive Preseason MVP.

"There isn't anything negative I can say about Winston," said assistant coach Matty Ah You. "He's the ultimate person that you'd want in your room. I trust him with my kids. He's a very hard worker. He leads by example rather than words, and then if it's not working and people aren't responding, he'll get after them. He'll show you how it's done and then he'll expect you to live your life like that. Off the field and on the field. I call him my general because he's the commander."

Commanding is what Reid does best on the football field. He leads the Wildcats and the Big Sky Conference with 70 tackles through six games played. He was named the Big Sky Player of the Week after leading his team in tackles and having the game winning Pick 6 to secure the Wildcats come from behind win against Northern Colorado in week five.

"The thing that makes him good is that he knows all 11 positions on our defense," said Ah You. "Not a lot of guys can know each position on every single play. He holds guys accountable. If you have a guy like Winston, chances of you making plays and winning are really high. You take him off the field, the chances of you winning are not as great. That's what kind of leader he is, bottom line."

Winston isn't only a leader on the football field, he's also a leader in the classroom. Education is important to him and he's currently working towards his Master's in Health Administration. He knows that football won't last forever and getting his education will put him ahead in life. If Reid could give his younger self advice on anything it would be to take your education seriously in high-school.

"Take AP classes in high school," Reid said. "Get your degree, associates at least, started in high school. That's the advice I would give."

According to Ah You, Reid is the type of player who is pushing himself in every aspect of life and especially on the field. He's the type of player who even after earning his scholarship still practices like a walk on. He's physical in all aspects of the game and continually plays like he has something to prove.

The success of the Reid hasn't gone unnoticed at all. He has had options to transfer. Ah You and the Wildcats are thankful he hasn't.

"The one thing that I love about Winston is he's super loyal," Ah You said. "He's here. This is where he started. This is where he earned his scholarship. This is where he became an All-American. So to him, he's giving back everything that we gave to him. I'm super grateful for his loyalty. In football nowadays loyalty goes out the way. I'm old school, your word is your bond, and I trust Winston with everything."

Weber State University Athletics

Winston Reid - from Walk-On to All-American

Related News

Related Videos