Haason Reddick is the first-round linebacker picked by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2017 National Football League (NFL) Draft. Before he was drafted by the Cardinals, he played college football with the Owls of Temple University.
Who Is Haason Reddick, The NFL Linebacker?
In addition to the foregoing, Haason Reddick moved from just playing four games in his senior year of high school to being a walk-on at Temple. He would later emerge as an NFL top prospect and eventually become the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Indeed, his was a meteoric rise. Along the path of his career, he has also had to move from one position to another, thus asserting his versatility as a hybrid footballer. The following are interesting facts you need to know about him.
Facts To Know About The NFL Star
1. Background Details
The first-round pick was born Haason Samir Reddick on the 22nd day of September 1994 in Camden, New Jersey. His athletic journey took off at Camden Little League through Haddon Heights High School where he played as safety and running back. His high school career was, however, marred by a fractured femur which limited him to only four games in his senior season; thereby, making a mess of his chances for Division I college football scholarships.
Although he wasn’t recruited beforehand or awarded an athletic scholarship by any college, that didn’t deter nor stop him. He joined the Temple University Owls football team as a walk-on in 2012 but would in time earn a scholarship. After redshirting his freshman year, he was asked not to return for another year by the then coach but a change in command saw his first feature as a linebacker before he moved to the defensive end, thus entrenching his stay with the team.
In his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons, Reddick appeared in 18 games, starting in only 3. However, he would step up his game, starting 12 of 14 games the following year with 21.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, and a forced fumble. He was also awarded a scholarship which saw him shed the walk-on label. In addition to that, Reddick was given a single-digit jersey (from No. 58 to 7) which is a sign of respect.
He had an uber-productive 2016 season recording 65 tackles and 10.5 sacks. This performance earned him the First Team All-AAC honor. Also, he was invited to play at the 2017 Senior Bowl during which he was featured as an inside linebacker. He performed excellently during the Bowl and emerged as one of the top 20 prospects projected to be drafted in the first round by various experts and analysts.
2. NFL Career
After numerous positive reviews and reports from various outlets, he was ultimately selected by the Arizona Cardinals as the 13th overall and was also the first linebacker to be drafted. Haason signed a 4-year contract worth $13.47 million with the team in June which included a signing bonus of $7.94 million. With his career set, he aspires to be a high-impact pro and is certainly on the uphill lane to his destination with no signs of slowing down even though setbacks and injuries could be inevitable.
As a rookie, he recorded barely 23 total tackles and 2½ sacks. Though he didn’t attain as much as he had hoped for, it is believed that he has earned a better understanding of the league; as such, he’s expected to step up his game a great deal.
3. His versatility is top-notch
Over the years, Haason Reddick has transformed himself from a walk-on cornerback to an almost rejected freshman and now one of the finest linebackers in the league. He has had to move position more than he can remember and is a proven hybrid. With his athletic abilities, he has thrived in whatever position he finds himself.
Coming out of high school, Haason Reddick was a safety. He turned a defensive end in college but probably due to size, he was drafted an inside linebacker and then had to play as an outside linebacker after an injury to a fellow teammate. Going into his second season, he would presumably be reinstated to his natural position. Nevertheless, with his kind of athleticism, experience, and resume, he can make a big impact wherever he’s positioned.
4. His Family
The football safety was born to Raelakia Reddick and Raymond Matthew who was also a football player – he played as a wide receiver at Clarion. Of all his fans, his parents are his greatest and most dedicated. They have followed him through his career and are always at hand to give him any support and encouragement that he may possibly need.
His father, for instance, had to visit the Owl’s head coach with his son to negotiate a walk-on status for him. And, his mother stepped in to help with finances when it proved a hurdle in his freshman year. She bought him a meal plan so he wouldn’t be left out from scholarship students who received such from the university.
5. He Aspires To Give Back To His Community
While being at the top of his game remains one of the goals for safety, he has other goals beyond the sphere of the NFL. Haason Reddick hopes to join the league of athletes like Tim Tebow, LeBron James among others who give back to the society that nurtured them.
Definitely, when he has the resources and a stable platform, he will start a foundation for the youths in Camden, this has been a long-term agenda for him. Through the foundation, he would provide support and guidance for kids so as to keep them on the right path.
6. Height, Weight, and Body Stats
He stands at 6’1″ (1.85 m) with a matching bodyweight of 237 lb (104 kg). His arm length measures 32 3⁄4 inches (0.83 m) while his hand size is 10 1⁄8 inches (0.26 m).
