D.J. Reed joined the Jim Rome Show on Wednesday to discuss his offseason, personal philosophy, and the culture within the Seattle Seahawks organization among other things.
When asked about his offseason, the fourth-year defensive back stated that things are proceeding smoothly.
“The offseason has been going really good, actually,” Reed said. “I’m training in L.A. I’ve been training at JLT, it’s in Hollywood. We’ve been getting to it to say the least. So, just doing explosive work, running up hills, lifting heavy in the weight room. A lot of explosion work, a lot of linear work and now I’m starting to get into position work to just focus on football and playing corner, so it’s going really well.”
In regards to his philosophy and attitude on the field, Reed stated that he wishes to make an impact early to set the tone so he can feel comfortable and confident throughout the majority of his playing time.
“I just want to set the tone,” he said. “I think that’s the biggest thing and that starts in the beginning of the game. Obviously, I want to do my job, but I want to do my job at the highest level. And that comes from film study, that comes from the demeanor in how I practice and that just gives me confidence to go out there and dominate the person in front of me.”
At 5-foot-9, Reed does not fit coach Pete Carroll’s ideal size and build, but gained his respect before his return from injury with his confidence in his abilities as a cornerback.
“When I came in Pete asked me, probably a couple weeks before we played the 49ers, if I would rather play corner or safety,” Reed continued. “I told him, ‘corner all day.’ I was an All-American at corner in college, I could really play that position at a high level. He said ‘OK, with all these injuries I’m going to throw you in there.’ Just for him to have the confidence to say that after seeing me practice, it meant a lot because coaches coming into the league labeled me as a slot corner just because I was 5-9. For him to give me that opportunity, I have the utmost respect for Pete.”
Reed earned and maintained a starting position for eight games last season and accumulated two interceptions, seven passes defensed, 62 tackles (46 solo), and two fumble recoveries in 10 contests.
[lawrence-related id=73114]