Eastern Michigan Athletics
From Seattle to Ypsilanti: Max Reese’s Journey to Becoming EMU’s Dynamic Tight End
8/23/2024 7:00:00 PM | Football
EMU opens the season Saturday, Aug. 31, at UMass
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YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University junior tight end Max Reese (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick) is ready to make this season his own. As he prepares for his third year in Ypsilanti, the confident and versatile athlete is eager to showcase his unique skills and prove that he can be a game-changer for the Eagles. Reese, who describes himself as a "receiving tight end" with "sneaky speed," is determined to leave his mark on the field.
"We look explosive, we look dynamic," Reese says of the tight end room this season. With a blend of returning talent and new transfers, the group is set to bring a different dimension to the Eagles' offense. "We're all looking to make an impact this year, so I think it'll be a real good year for us," he adds.
In today's football, tight ends have become vital offensive weapons, often serving as a quarterback's security blanket. Reese embraces this role, understanding the importance of being a reliable target. "Just giving them that extra big target to go up and get the ball," he explains. "We bring a different dynamic to the game, just another aspect of explosiveness."
At 6-foot-2, Reese might not be the tallest guy in the tight end room, but his height and athleticism give him an edge. "A lot of people, you know, look at me and don't immediately see it, but once you get in the game, you realize I can't be pressed up on or treated like a regular tight end," Reese notes. It's this combination of size and agility that makes him a threat in the passing game.
The arrival of Assistant Coach Chris Chestnut as the tight ends coach has further elevated Reese's game. "Having him there and his ball knowledge helps us play more freely and be ourselves," Reese says. "It's definitely going to help us a lot, especially in the receiving game and in blocking."
Blocking has been a focus for Reese this offseason. "I was criticized for my blocking in my earlier years," he admits. "It was more of a mentality thing, coming from playing receiver in high school and even in my first year here." This summer, Reese worked diligently on his hand placement and overall blocking technique, knowing that his ability to contribute both in the air and on the ground would make him an unstoppable force on the field.
Despite competition for the starting quarterback spot, Reese highlights the strong bond he's developed with all the signal-callers. "I love the competition throughout all the quarterbacks," he says. "There's no divide; they've all been working out together, building chemistry, and that'll show on the field no matter who's at quarterback."
Reese also has his eyes on Week 2, when the Eagles will travel to Washington to face the Huskies. Born in Seattle, this game holds personal significance for him. "It's definitely in the back of my head," he admits.
But Reese knows the focus needs to stay on the present. The team's theme this year, "BET," resonates deeply with him. "When people tell you that you can't do something, look them in their eyes and say 'BET,'" Reese says. "There's no better feeling than proving someone wrong."
As he looks ahead to Week 3, when the Eagles will run out onto Maxx Crosby Field under the lights for the first time this season, Reese is filled with anticipation. "That's what you play for right there," he says with a smile. "Those are the things we all want to do."
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) -- Eastern Michigan University junior tight end Max Reese (Chicago, Ill./Fenwick) is ready to make this season his own. As he prepares for his third year in Ypsilanti, the confident and versatile athlete is eager to showcase his unique skills and prove that he can be a game-changer for the Eagles. Reese, who describes himself as a "receiving tight end" with "sneaky speed," is determined to leave his mark on the field.
"We look explosive, we look dynamic," Reese says of the tight end room this season. With a blend of returning talent and new transfers, the group is set to bring a different dimension to the Eagles' offense. "We're all looking to make an impact this year, so I think it'll be a real good year for us," he adds.
In today's football, tight ends have become vital offensive weapons, often serving as a quarterback's security blanket. Reese embraces this role, understanding the importance of being a reliable target. "Just giving them that extra big target to go up and get the ball," he explains. "We bring a different dynamic to the game, just another aspect of explosiveness."
At 6-foot-2, Reese might not be the tallest guy in the tight end room, but his height and athleticism give him an edge. "A lot of people, you know, look at me and don't immediately see it, but once you get in the game, you realize I can't be pressed up on or treated like a regular tight end," Reese notes. It's this combination of size and agility that makes him a threat in the passing game.
The arrival of Assistant Coach Chris Chestnut as the tight ends coach has further elevated Reese's game. "Having him there and his ball knowledge helps us play more freely and be ourselves," Reese says. "It's definitely going to help us a lot, especially in the receiving game and in blocking."
Blocking has been a focus for Reese this offseason. "I was criticized for my blocking in my earlier years," he admits. "It was more of a mentality thing, coming from playing receiver in high school and even in my first year here." This summer, Reese worked diligently on his hand placement and overall blocking technique, knowing that his ability to contribute both in the air and on the ground would make him an unstoppable force on the field.
Despite competition for the starting quarterback spot, Reese highlights the strong bond he's developed with all the signal-callers. "I love the competition throughout all the quarterbacks," he says. "There's no divide; they've all been working out together, building chemistry, and that'll show on the field no matter who's at quarterback."
Reese also has his eyes on Week 2, when the Eagles will travel to Washington to face the Huskies. Born in Seattle, this game holds personal significance for him. "It's definitely in the back of my head," he admits.
But Reese knows the focus needs to stay on the present. The team's theme this year, "BET," resonates deeply with him. "When people tell you that you can't do something, look them in their eyes and say 'BET,'" Reese says. "There's no better feeling than proving someone wrong."
As he looks ahead to Week 3, when the Eagles will run out onto Maxx Crosby Field under the lights for the first time this season, Reese is filled with anticipation. "That's what you play for right there," he says with a smile. "Those are the things we all want to do."
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