Albert Reese and State offensive line seeking to finish strong

It’s been a year of firsts for Mississippi State’s Albert Reese. The redshirt junior offensive lineman has been a regular starter on the offensive line this season and for the first time in his college career.

The Canada native has also displayed his versatility in the trenches with different position responsibilities. Then earlier this week, Reese was rewarded for his efforts when he was the recipient of the Kent Hull Award, which is given to the best offensive lineman in the state of Mississippi.

On Tuesday following practice, Reese met with the media to discuss his recent award among other topics:

Q: What does it mean for you to win the Kent Hull trophy?
Reese: It’s an absolute honor. He was a great player here for us well before I was around. So it’s an absolute honor for me to accept that. I’m excited to do what he did.

Q: Was it a surprise when you won?
Reese: It’s always a pleasant surprise. I’m not constantly thinking about things outside and I’m just doing what I can to help my team win. But it was a very pleasant surprise. When I was getting congratulations I was like ‘for what?’. I didn’t hear anything about it at first but it was nice to hear.

Q: Who told you first about winning the award?
Reese: I originally heard it from my buddy Cyrus (Reyes). He was in the hot tub and I walked in to get a towel and he said ‘congratulations Albert’ and I said what did I do?

Q: How much do you think your ability to play different spots on the line help at the next level?
Reese: I think it’s everything. I pay attention to most of the linemen in the NFL. A new Olinemen or a high-drafted Olineman always move around. Whoever it is, a guy from Penn State last year is playing for the Jets. He was a tackle in college but I think he’s playing right guard for them right now. So I think that’s important.

Q: What has led to the line’s improvements in the run game the past few weeks?
Reese: I think it’s been assignment-sound and technical-sound and learning the game as we go on. Pretty much experience, veteran experience.

Q: What have you seen from Missouri so far?
Reese: They have some very good dudes as a whole on the Dline. Mainly two of their interior guys and one of their edge rushers is really good.

Q: As one of the team leaders, what’s your message for the guys to stick with it?
Reese: I feel we have many good leaders on the team. Everybody is keeping their heads up and not pouting around. We’re just ready to go to work.

Q: What has Ethan Miner brought to the offensive line this year?
Reese: Definitely connection and chemistry.

Q: With pass protection, what ways can the offensive line get better in protecting Michael Van Buren?
Reese: Just executing, being more technically sound and knowing exactly what you got to do.

Q: The season can go by so quickly. How’s it feel knowing Saturday is the last home game of the season?
Reese: How does it feel? It’s sad to know we’re gearing up to hear those cowbells inside Davis Wade and unfortunately for us, it’s our last go-around at Davis Wade this season. So we got to end up on a high note.

Q: With some guys coming back next year, do you think next year can be a turnaround for this program?
Reese: Absolutely. Gotta keep grinding, hit the weights and hit the field this offseason hard.

Q: What is your message to the underclassmen on the team?
Reese: Just keep your heads up, work and success takes time.

Q: Your mom is a big social media fan. What was the conversation like when you told her about the award you won?
Reese: Very happy. She texted me first and was ‘oh my gosh, congratulations’. She was like me when I found out and people told her congratulations and she didn’t know at first what they were talking about.

Q: Did you have to explain to her what the trophy was about?
Reese: Yes, definitely.

Q: Did the award mean more to you knowing it was NFL scouts that chose the winner and not the media?
Reese: Absolutely. They obviously have a lot of knowledge on how the game is played. Getting respect from them is huge.

Q: How much of an inspiration is that award going into next year?
Reese: Absolutely. It’s very inspiring to keep working and to keep chipping.