Haason Reddick is the first-round linebacker selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2017 National Football League (NFL) Draft. Prior to being drafted by the Cardinals, he played college football with the Owls of Temple University .
Who is NFL linebacker Haason Reddick?
In addition to the above, Haason Reddick went from just four games in his senior year of high school to becoming a walk-on in Temple. He would later emerge as the NFL’s top prospect and eventually become the 13th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Indeed, it was a meteoric rise. During his career, he also had to move from one position to another, thus affirming his versatility as a hybrid footballer. Here are interesting facts you need to know about him.
Facts about the NFL Star
1. Background details
The first-round pick was born Haason Samir Reddick on September 22, 1994, in Camden, New Jersey. His athletic journey took off at Camden Little League through Haddon Heights High School where he played as a safety and running back. However, his high school career was marred by a broken femur that limited him to just four games during his senior season; thus, wasting his chances for the Division I college football scholarships.
Although he was not pre-recruited or awarded an athletic scholarship by any college, that did not discourage or stop him. He joined the Temple University Owls football team in 2012, but would eventually earn a scholarship. After redesigning his freshman year, the coach at the time asked him not to return for another year, but a change in command saw his first feature as a linebacker before moving to defense, thus anchoring his stay in the team.
In his redshirt freshman and sophomore seasons, Reddick appeared in 18 games, starting just 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 also received a scholarship that allowed him to get rid of his label. On top of that, Reddick was given a single digit jersey (from #58 to #7) which is a sign of respect.
He had an ultra-productive season record of 201,665 tackles and 10.5 sacks. This performance earned him All-AAC First Team honor. He was also invited to play in the 2017 Senior Bowl where he was introduced as an inside linebacker. He performed very well during the Bowl and established himself as one of the top 20 prospects projected in the first round by various pundits and analysts.
2. NFL Career
After numerous positive reviews and reports from various outlets, he was eventually 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 upward path to his destination with no signs of slowing down, although setbacks and injuries might be inevitable.
As a rookie, he recorded just 23 total tackles and 2½ sacks. Although he did not achieve as much as he hoped, he is believed to have gained a better understanding of the league; as such, he should step up his game a lot.
3. Its versatility is top-notch
Over the years, Haason Reddick has transformed himself from a walking cornerback to a near-rejected freshman and now one of the best linebackers in the league. He has had to change positions more than he can remember and is a tried and true hybrid. With his athletic abilities, he has thrived in any position he finds himself.
Coming out of high school, Haason Reddick was a security. He became a defenseman in college, but probably due to his size, he was drafted as an inside linebacker and then had to play outside linebacker after another teammate was injured. At the start of his second season, he would presumably be reinstated in his natural position. Nonetheless, with his kind of athleticism, experience and resume, he can make a big impact wherever he is.
4. His family
Football safety was born to Raelakia Reddicket Raymond Matthew who was also a football player – he played as a wide receiver at Clarion. Of all her fans, her parents are her biggest and most devoted. They have followed him throughout his career and are always on hand to give him all the support and encouragement he might need.
His father, for example, had to visit the head coach with his son to negotiate a foot person status for him. And, her mother stepped in to help with finances when that proved to be an obstacle in her first year. She bought him a meal plan so he wouldn’t be kicked out of the scholarship students who got some from college.
5. He aspires to give back to his community
While being at the top of his game remains one of his goals for safety, he has other goals beyond the NFL sphere. Haason Reddick hopes to join the league of athletes like Tim Tebow, LeBron James among others who are giving back to the society that nurtured them.
Definitely, when he has the resources and stable platform, he will start a Camden youth foundation, this has been a long term program for him. Through the foundation, he would provide support and guidance to children to keep them on track.
6. Height, weight and body statistics
He is 1.81 m (6’1″) tall with a body weight of 104 kg (237 lb). His arm length measures 32 3⁄4 inches (0.83 m) while his hand size is 10 1⁄8 inches (0.26 m).