In the beginning, Jalen Reeves-Maybin was his own niche.
Reeves-Maybin starred in every phase of the game at Northeast from 2009 to 2012. As a dual-threat quarterback, he compiled nearly 8,000 yards of offense and more than 100 touchdowns. As a linebacker, he racked up 234 tackles in his junior and senior seasons combined, earning All-State honors in both.
But as versatile and all-encompassing as Reeves-Maybin’s skill set was, his coach, Isaac Shelby, would remind the four-star recruit that showing value to colleges didn’t always have to come through doing everything.
“Sometimes, one of the best things you can do on a high school tape is block a kick,” Shelby said. ” . . . If you end up going to college football, a lot of times, (special teams) is the first thing you do.”
Reeves-Maybin, a seven-year NFL veteran, was selected to this week’s Pro Bowl in Orlando, earning the NFC’s special teams spot, though he won’t be able to play because of an injury. His Pro Bowl selection — and second-team All-Pro recognition — comes after he helped the Detroit Lions to the brink of the franchise’s first Super Bowl .