Countdown to 2019 IUFB Kickoff: 97 Days (Tramar Reece)

Written by Amanda Pavelka

The 2019 season is fast approaching, and Hoosier Huddle is here to present the Indiana football countdown to kickoff. With 97 days remaining until the Hoosiers head to Lucas Oil Stadium to take on the Ball State Cardinals, it is only appropriate to talk about the man who will be representing the Hoosiers’ number 97 jersey.

Name – Tramar Reece

Position – Defensive Line (Redshirt Sophomore)

Hometown – Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater)

Height – 6’4’’

Weight – 252 pounds

Sticking to the grind of playing football and accepting his offer to play at Indiana was an incredible accomplishment for Tramar Reece, especially given his tragic life situation—one that could have very easily been different.

Reece’s support system was led by his mother, Tracey, who unexpectedly died of a heart attack in 2015. The day after his mother died, he had an incredible performance, recording two crucial fumble recoveries that helped Clearwater High School clinch the district title.

After a Signing Day ceremony Reece reflected on his mother in an article from the Tampa Bay Times, “As I was signing I know she was right here behind me (in spirit)” Reece said, "I was just thinking of all the stuff she taught me and just wanted her there with me."

The 6’4” DL redshirted his freshman year. In 2018, Reece packed on weight and made his college debut against FIU, recording a tackle and another against Ball State. Reece did not see much playing time after that, as he played in three games in his first year on the college field and finished with just the two tackles.

Reece is someone who will have the opportunity to step into a bigger role as many of the rotational spots along the defensive line are wide open. Time waits for no man, and Reece’s time to be an impact player is 2019. He’s proven himself before in high school, when he made a name for himself nationally as the No. 76 defensive end (ESPN) following his mom’s death. Only time will tell Reece’s growth and expected contributions to the Hoosiers’ defensive line.

Hutch’s Trivia Question

In honor of the late Terry Hutchens, we are including a daily IUFB trivia question from his book So You Think You Know Indiana University Football. Hutch is dearly missed and this is our way of keeping his memory with us this season. Please leave your answers in the comments section.

Who was the first IU quarterback to throw more more than 1,000 yards in a season?

(check back tomorrow for the answer)

 Yesterday’s Answer: Miami University