R250 DB Reid goes in-depth on PSU commitment

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It seemed inevitable, but the timing of Rivals250 defensive back John Reid's commitment to Penn State was a bit surprising. The Philadelphia St. Joseph's standout previously said that he wanted to take his official visits before committing, but he came to the realization that he was destined to become a Nittany Lion.

"I sat down with my uncle and my dad the other day and went through my schools," said the 5-foot-10, 175-pound Reid. "I always kept an open mind towards all of the schools. The more we talked the more I realized I wanted to be close to home. I was talking with my mom and I had always been talking about going to Penn State ever since I was nine years old. For me, it became more and more apparent that Penn State was the place for me to go. It just seemed right and I was really excited when I made the decision. I thought about committing on Monday but I waited until Friday to see if I still felt the same way.

"I can't really pinpoint one particular reason I committed because there are so many great things about the school," he said. "Not only am I going to a school with one of the biggest alumni networks, but they are also known for having a great football tradition. I think the staff is going to do well this year. They have a lot of momentum with a lot of great recruits going there."

Reid, along with Rivals100 defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Rivals250 defensive back Jordan Whitehead and Rivals250 offensive lineman Matthew Burrell Jr., were the only few remaining targets left in Penn State's 2015 recruiting class.

"I was just happy to be a part of something like this," Reid said. "They've already gotten so many guys and I'm just grateful to be a part of what's coming up."

At Penn State, Reid has built a comfort level with players on and off the team, and that's something no other school could offer.

"I think that's another big thing for me," he said. "I've always been around people who supported me. Going up there and not only having the football team, but having people up there that are like brothers to me, it honestly couldn't be a more perfect place for me.

"As I was thinking about committing, anywhere I go, whether I'm in Pennsylvania or in New Jersey, which is where I'm from, there are Penn State alumni. I've always been around Penn State so there were a lot of signs pointing that way."

Reid had previously talked about taking all of his official visits before committing and even visited Michigan State last weekend, but Reid now says it is unlikely those visits will happen.

"I don't see myself taking any other visits," he said. "I think this is the right school and I'm very happy with my decision. I did all the research I could and gathered all the information I could.

"Once I committed I didn't want to be a recruit that decommitted," Reid said. "I wanted to make sure I was 100 percent and didn't have any doubts."

Last season, Reid helped St. Joseph's win a state title.