Things are starting to come around for Falcons linebacker Brooks Reed at the coveted LEO (hybrid/defense end) position.
The sixth-year athlete, out of Arizona, is making the transition to the spot after primarily being an outside linebacker most of his career. At Friday’s training camp practice, he said that the process is getting smoother and that he is picking up on the defensive schematics.
“I am just focusing on the (defensive) keys and the strength at the point of attack and that has helped me a lot,” Reed said. “Just knowing the offensive and defensive tendencies is important for the LEO position. You get a bead on the tight end or where the ball is going, you can beat the ball to the gap.”
Last season, Reed recorded 17 tackles in 13 games. He missed a couple of games due to a groin injury that lingered throughout the season.
This year, he says that he is feeling better and ready to improve at his new position.
“It is just baby steps and I plan to keep getting better, stronger and faster to continue developing skills at that position,” Reed said.
Reed lined up with the first team defense at the LEO position during Friday’s camp.
