Giants Daily Blitz Blog

Daily Blitz: GM Reese once dreamed of being a head coach

Once a hard-hitting defensive standout at the University of Tennessee at Martin, Jerry Reese always dreamed of becoming the head coach at his alma mater. Look at where he is now.

The general manager was recently profiled in The Pacer, the official newspaper of the college in his home state, and spoke about his journey from humble beginnings in Tiptonville to winning his second Super Bowl last season.

“I had to schedule my classes around football and make sure they were balanced. I had to work for my scholarship,” said Reese, who was a grad assistant and then a secondary coach at Martin from 1988 through 1993 after being named team MVP his senior season. “With my background and leadership qualities I learned at UTM by being part of a team, I still use those skills today.

“You’ve always got to dream big. I always dreamed of being head coach at UTM at some point and look where I am now.”

Charley Deal, a close friend and assistant vice chancellor for alumni relations, sees what he’s done today.

“For someone who came from his background, Jerry pushed himself and was hard on himself,” Deal said. “He worked around the clock to make himself better.”

QUICK HITS

» NFL.com and NFL Network analysts gave their 2012 predictions on stats leaders, MVP, rookie awards, and more. Jason Pierre-Paul appears to be on the short list for Defensive Player of the Year.

» Barden builds on momentum. [Kieran Darcy, ESPNNewYork.com]

» ESPN.com’s NFC East blogger Dan Graziano continued his ranking of the top 20 players in the division. WR Hakeem Nicks came in at No. 6, with five players to go (one player announced a day).

Other Giants in the rankings so far:

8. Justin Tuck, DE, Giants

10. Victor Cruz, WR, Giants

18. Osi Umenyiora, DE, Giants

20. Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Giants