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Chris Reis has a "dream situation" when it comes to making the Falcons squad:
Chris Reis (Georgia Tech/Roswell H.S.)
If Chris Reis’ body weren’t so sore every morning, he’d pinch himself upon waking up.
Reis is in a dream situation with the Falcons. Not because they are the hometown team, but because Reis’ skills match Atlanta’s two biggest needs: He plays strong safety and is an accomplished special teams player.
Atlanta has just three strong safeties in camp and needs to fill six spots on its special teams units.
“I’ve never been on a secondary with so many guys who have a chance to make the team,” said safety Chris Crocker, a fourth-year pro. “Most years, there are one or two guys who you pretty much know are the ones who have the opportunity to make the team. But with this team, there are two or three rookies who have a chance to make the secondary alone.
“This is an opportunity of a lifetime for somebody like Reis.”
A chance is all Reis has ever needed. He showed a knack for adapting to changing situations in his Georgia Tech career, earning playing time his first two years with his tenaciousness on kick coverage teams and nickel and dime defensive sets.
He changed positions his junior year when the Yellow Jackets suffered a linebacker shortage. He recorded eight sacks and made All-Atlantic Coast Conference. He moved back to strong safety last season. He made 84 tackles and was again named All-ACC.
Reis is willing to evolve again on professional level.
“I can’t ask for a better situation,” Reis said. “Maybe I don’t play much at strong safety, but I can contribute on special teams or somewhere else.”
“Somewhere else” could also mean another team. Reis could impress the Falcons’ coaches and still get cut — who teams keep often has as much to do with depth at certain positions as it does talent. Coaches remember the cut players who impress them and are quick to recommend those guys when other teams have a hole to fill.
“There are 31 other teams that might want me if I don’t make it here,” Reis said. “I’m focused on never giving up, working hard and letting whatever happens happen.”