Countdown to 2020 IUFB Kickoff: 97 Days (Tramar Reece)

Written by: Amanda Pavelka

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff marches on to the start of the 2020 college football season as we take a look at redshirt junior defensive lineman Tramar Reece with 97 days until the Hoosiers kickoff against the Badgers on September 4th.

Name – Tramar Reece

Position (Year) – Defensive Line (Redshirt Junior)

Hometown – Clearwater, Florida (Clearwater)

Height – 6’4’’

Weight – 258 pounds

Everyone faces adversity, and Indiana defensive lineman Tramar Reece is the ultimate example of how to tackle it. 

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

After his 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 made his college football debut at FIU, and totaled two tackles in three games at defensive end. As a redshirt sophomore last season, Reece played in four games at defensive end, recording two tackles and a quarterback hurry.

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, with the loss of Allen Stallings IV. Reece’s largest competition at defensive end is Michael Ziemba, who is poised to have another impactful season. James Head Jr. and Alfred Bryant will also join Reece in a battle for play at the DE position.

Reece has 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. With new defensive line Coach Kevin Wright, he may find himself a new life line for his junior year. Expect Reece’s growth and contributions to the Hoosiers’ defensive line to be higher in 2020.