Friday, January 11, 2013
Introducing the class: Reggie Chevis
By Sam Khan Jr.
"Introducing the class" is a series in which GigEmNation conducts a Q&A session with each of the incoming recruits in Texas A&M's 2013 class to give readers a closer look at each recruit individually. Today, we visit with Houston Sharpstown inside linebacker Reggie Chevis.
Chevis (whose last name is pronounced CHAY-vis), is a 6-foot-2, 240-pound inside linebacker who projects to be a middle linebacker for the Aggies. He's a four-star prospect and is ranked 19th in the nation at his position. He led Sharpstown to an 8-3 record and a tie for second place in its district. The Apollos made it to the Texas Class 4A playoffs before being eliminated in the first round.
The Semper Fidelis All-American finished the year with 117 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and four pass breakups. Chevis was district defensive co-MVP and is one of nine Aggies who are mid-year additions to the program and one of four high school prospects who graduated in December in order to enroll for classes in January. Here's our Q&A with Chevis, who committed to the Aggies on June 12, 2012:
Reggie Chevis, who committed last June, says he bought into Kevin Sumlin's program right away.
GigEmNation: What made you commit to Texas A&M?
Reggie Chevis: "Because, first of all, I liked the school. Second of all, I wanted to play in the SEC, and I wanted to stay close to home. I didn't want to go far away. So all those things were a factor."
GEN: What has life been like since your commitment?
RC: "Life has been good and stress-free."
GEN: Describe your first meeting with Kevin Sumlin. What was your first impression?
RC: "It was a very good impression. I could tell that he wanted to change the program around. I could tell that he was doing it, so I bought in at that moment. I didn't have to wait until the season to see it, because I knew it was happening."
GEN: What's your favorite memory of Texas A&M so far, either from your trips to College Station or from watching them this season?
RC: "When they beat Alabama. It was good. They made a statement. It was on after that."
GEN: When did you first get into football and why?
RC: "I started at age 6. I did it because I wanted to make it out. So I started real early, at a young age. I wanted to play professional football since I was little."
GEN: Were you always a linebacker or did you play other positions growing up?
RC: "I played everything growing up. My favorite position before I got to high school was quarterback."
GEN: Do you have a pre-game routine or something that you do before games?
RC: "I pray. I make sure I have a sound mind and that I'm calm and prepared."
GEN: Who has been the biggest influence on your success?
RC: "I would say my Godmother [Melvia Brooks]. She died in 2006. I still think about her before every game. She taught me how to love myself, how to love this game and how to do me. Once I figured out how to do that, I couldn't be stopped."
GEN: How have your football accomplishments changed your life?
RC: "They opened up a lot of doors for me to be successful."
GEN: What's your most memorable highlight?
RC: "In my junior year, I got a pick six against Booker T. Washington to win the game."
GEN: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RC: "As a college coach or playing in the NFL."
GEN: If you weren't a football player, what sport would you play?
RC: "I would run track. The 100-meter dash."
GEN: What's on your pre-game music playlist?
RC: "2 Chainz and Trinidad James"
Favorite food: Mexican food.
Favorite NFL player: "Patrick Willis. He reminds me a lot of myself."
Jersey number: 3
Favorite thing to do outside of football: "I like to listen to music. Freestyle."
