LSU Football Player Profile: Sophomore Safety Eric Reid

Eric Reid was a highly touted high school prospect and many considered him one of the top safeties in the nation.

His freshman season at LSU leaves little doubt that he was worthy of all the hype.

Reid came onto the scene as a starter against the University of Louisiana at Monroe, recording five tackles.

Against Alabama, Reid came on in place of injured Brandon Taylor and played like a savvy veteran rather than the true freshman that he was.

Reid recorded six tackles against the Crimson Tide, one for a loss, and cemented himself into the lineup as a trusted and capable safety.

Reid, along with fellow freshman Tyrann Mathieu, established himself as a guy that will be starting for the Tigers for the rest of his career.

Reid had little-to-no growing pains when making the transition from high school to the SEC and Tiger fans expect great things from him in 2011 and beyond.

Reid had the first “highlight” play of his career as he came up and laid a ferocious hit on Vanderbilt wide receiver Akeem Dunham, dislodging the ball.

Reid also intercepted Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett for his first career interception.

The young LSU secondary, anchored by Reid and Mathieu, have Tiger fans excited about the defense’s future and the potential to dominate the toughest division in NCAA football, the SEC West.

With cornerstones in their secondary, the Tigers will make the transition period for the many new SEC quarterbacks very difficult.