This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2015, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Stanford education is hard to overlook. Paired with its defensive success, it sealed the deal for Timpview's three-star defensive end Gabe Reid, who committed to the Cardinal over hometown programs BYU and Utah late Monday evening.
"It's a surreal moment for me," Reid told the Tribune. "I'm so grateful and blessed to be where I am. I'm ready to work hard. I'm excited."
Reid is undecided on which major he'll pursue while studying at Stanford, but noted his interest in business. Playing defensive end, Reid (6-2, 225 pounds) recorded 251 tackles and 41 sacks while helping the Thunderbirds capture three consecutive Class 4A titles.
Most assumed Stanford was a forgone conclusion for Reid, but after teammate and close friend Britain Covey committed to the Utes, many felt Reid's focus shifted to potentially playing on the hill.
"With [Utah assistant coaches] Kalani [Sitake] and [Ilaisa] Tuiaki not being there, Utah wasn't as appealing to me," Reid said. "Obviously, me and Britain are great friends, and that definitely meant something to me. But in the end, Stanford was the place for me."
Reid is the son of former BYU linebacker Spencer Reid, who was named second-team All-WAC in 1997 before signing with the Carolina Panthers as a free agent in 1998. Reid, who is the third Timpview player pledged to a FBS school, will serve an LDS church mission before enrolling in Palo Alto, Calif.
Reid joins Bountiful fullback Houston Heimuli as local players in the Class of 2015 who have committed to Stanford.
-Trevor Phibbs
Twitter: @trevorphibbs