Former Carter High School standout Garrett Reynolds was selected with the 20th pick in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
The North Carolina offensive lineman didn't see every minute of the more than five hours of draft coverage leading up to his selection with the 156th overall pick. But he watched just enough to feel the nerves set in.
"It's been long day," the 6-foot-7, 315-pound Reynolds said. "I didn't really watch too intensely early because I had a good idea (where I would be picked).
"I didn't really start getting tensed up until the end of the fourth round."
Reynolds knew something was amiss when his cell phone rang from a number he didn't' recognize. Sure enough it was the Falcons.
"It's been a great feeling," Reynolds said. "I'm just looking forward to getting back to work."
Reynolds said he was extremely pleased to be drafted by a franchise that was within driving distance for his family.
"Everything happens for a reason," Reynolds said. "My family will be able to be close to me while I'm going through this."
Unlike many high-profile prospects who have grand plans to celebrate being selected, Reynolds' plans were much more laid back. He said he plans to sit back and enjoy the rest of Sunday afternoon with family and friends.
Reynolds' family is a familiar one to UT fans. Reynolds' father, Art Reynolds, played linebacker at UT from 1971-73.
His uncle, Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, is one of the greatest linebackers in UT history.
Hacksaw starred for the Vols before being selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Los Angeles Rams in 1970. He then played 11 seasons for the Rams and three for the San Francisco 49ers, helping the team to two Super Bowl titles.
Garrett Reynolds signed with North Carolina in 2005 over scholarship offers from Virginia Tech and Nebraska.
UT did not offer Reynolds a scholarship, instead offering preferred walkon status. The Vols signed four other offensive linemen: Josh McNeil, Chris Scott, Darius Myers and Malcolm Rawls.
McNeil and Scott have grown into longtime starters. Myers and Rawls left the team before having any impact on the field.
Reynolds was a three-year starter at UNC and named second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference following his senior season in 2008.
Reynolds will join former Farragut standout Tyson Clabo in Atlanta. Clabo is also an offensive lineman.
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Comments » 46
TommyJack writes:
One of FHCPF's finer moves.
Wauconda_Vol writes:
What did his stats with the 'Heels look like?
VOLorado writes:
good enough for the nfl, but not good enough for my Vols.
our o-line has been so stacked.
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
be it him or anyone else its a sad state of affairs with much lower level schools than us are getting more drafted and higher than our only 1 to this point------despite generally reasonably well rated drafting classes we havent developed talent--------of late we have hardly been NFL U---sospect this present coaching group will do better
BigOrangeVol29 writes:
Good for this young man that he will get the opportunity to perform at the next level, and hopefully he will have a long career.
As for the previous staff, Reynolds was not considered a D-I prospect in their eyes because he was not a guy whose athleticism would not jump off the page at anyone, that is the biggest reason they passed on him, as was the reason the previous staff passed on several players, they were easily influenced by athleticism for better or worse. But that is the past thank goodness, maybe the new regime will do a better job of evaluating players and not just the NFL mentality of athleticism trumps everything. Reynolds was only offered the opportunity to walk on as a courtesy to his family. Oh well, that staff is no longer around and I think the future at UT is bright.
VolWalker writes:
Fire Fulmer...oh wait too late. 1 Vol picked so far...wonder why we've been going down hill.
MidTennVol writes:
If he'd come and earned a scholarship, he would probably have ridden the pine any way and be looking at a career selling insurance right now.
Not that there's anything wrong with selling insurance, of course...
Wauconda_Vol writes:
From the 'Heels Site:
2008 - Senior Season
Second-team All-ACC selection • Started the last 26 games at right tackle • Consistently grades out as the team's top offensive lineman • Posted an 85 percent grade at Duke • Graaded at 85 percent with a pair of knock-downs versus NC State • Posted a 92 percent grade and eight knock-downs at Maryland • Graded at 83 percent with six knock-downs against No. 20 Georgia Tech • Recorded team-bests of an 88 percent grade and six knock-downs against No. 23 Boston College • Named one of the team's offensive players of the week following the win over the Eagles • Had a team-best 79 percent grade and two knock-down blocks at Virginia • Logged a team-high 86 percent grade with four knock-downs against Notre Dame • Named one of the team's offensive players of the week for the win over Connecticut • Graded at 89 percent with three knock-downs against the Huskies • Recorded an 85 percent grade and seven knock-downs at Miami • Registered an 84 percent grade and five knock-downs against Virginia Tech • Logged a 92 percent grade at Rutgers with two knock-down blocks • Graded out at 90 percent with three knock-down blocks versus McNeese State.
nicksjuzunk#646117 writes:
Wow! As a Carter High School alum and former player, I am shocked! Heck, I wasn't aware that we had even produced D1 talent in 20 years!
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
not sure how u say that when we dont see our 2 OL drsfted and its almost over-----would venture to say prob not another D1 school that showed worse than us with 1---am testiment that we were going downhill and needed a change as much as I hate to see the disrespect PF gets for his overall work over time---we have drafted decent players in recent years but obviously not developed them
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Along with his love for NEAR-all time rusher, Mr East and West.
Gezeesus!
murrayvol writes:
Likely one of Garrett's finer moves as well. Charts would not have been kind to a preferred walkon.
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
As another alum I have to agree with you. I can't remember another Carter alum playing D1 much less making it to the pros.
It's great to be a Carter Hornet...I guess anyway.
murrayvol writes:
This draft affirms Mike Hamilton's decision without a shred of doubt.
murrayvol writes:
Keep the faith. As I type there are 26 spots left to fill including Mr. Irrelevent.
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
1 more pick will tie us with Abilene Christian at 2. That doesn't even sound right, much less make sense.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
That is perfectly why the Fulmerons defnding his last 10 years makes no sense.
But, whatever, I could still be trying to figure out the snail darters!
DennisVols writes:
Or pumping gas LOL
Sorry I just couldn't help myself.
1963volfan writes:
congrats garett hope you have a long and productive career in the NFL.One vol drafted, that is sad! did not realize talent has fallen this far off.No wonder we were getting it handed to us week end week out.Seen were 3 or 4 of coach O players were drafted from ole miss.GO VOLS
Coach_Joe writes:
I to am a Carter alum and am proud to see one of our own finally make it to the NFL.
I played with some great players while there and they didn't even make D1. Linemen and skill players.
Of course, back in those days recruiting wasn't as publicized as it is now. I think if a lot of what goes on now had been going on back then there would be a lot more guy's who had gone D1.
Anyway, Congratulations to this young man!
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
Wow, I don't know what's more suprising. A guy from Carter getting drafted or 3 Carter alums knowing how to use the internet. JK
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
its honest work and not to be disrepected more than the bigshots on Wallstreet, AIG, Bear-Stearns, Fannie and the like who financially hurt thousands from dishonestly and greed (not trying to get off the sports focus)
gohawks1 writes:
Do people actually still pump gas for a living nowadays? All I ever find is some bubblegum popping teenager to take my money once I do all the work. Not even a windshield cleaned...
volhallathunder writes:
tough day for formr Vols maybe it'll put an end to the nonstop parade of Fulmer articles about how great he is.
congrats Robert Ayers, you put the work in and deserve it.
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
Actually there's a little station at the Asheville Hwy. and Straw Plains Pike intersection (less then a mile from Carter, btw) that still pumps your gass. You're not getting your windshield cleaned though. Honestly, I think they just pump it because they've had to many drive-offs.
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
Gas not gass. Don't want the grammer police to get me.
MarbleVol48 writes:
If I'm not mistaken Garrett was a DE / TE at Carter. This may be why he was overlooked.
DennisVols writes:
IN PA you cannot pump your own gas. The first time I was there on a business trip I got out of my rental to fill up and the guy came out running and looking a little peved and took the nozzel out of my hand. I was a bit shocked until I found out later that it was a law in PA and that all stations were full serve. This was back in 2002 so it may have changed.
DennisVols writes:
I wasn't trying to be disrespectful. Just referencing the so called Kiffin remark to the recurit.
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
That's a good thing because last time I was in PA I was scared to get out of my car.
RoadTrip writes:
How can any major college coach overlook a kid that big playing at a high school in his own town?! Just another case of the grass appearing greener in other parts of the country for CPF, when in reality the ones that would bleed orange for the Vols get overlooked and passed over. The Knoxville area has kids playing at other SEC, ACC, Big 10, etc. schools that were not even offered scholarships at home because we have a "national" recruiting base that is so much above these little ole local boys. It has produced so many Top Ten seasons you can't count them all (lol).
Which is also why we have a new head coach...
gohawks1 writes:
That's a rarity. Full service stations have pretty much gone the way of the dodo.
BigOrangeCrazy writes:
I wouldn't call it full service. It's more of a "here's your gas, where's my money" station. If they check your oil you might want to make sure your engine is still in the car. JK
But yeah it's the only one in Knoxville that I know of.
N2Motorsports writes:
Yes, Garrett was a DE/TE at Carter. He was overlooked because coming out of Carter he was 6'7" 280 lbs and wasn't the fastest guy around. Since being at UNC he's up to 310 lbs. and has improved his athletic ability tremendously. I graduated from Carter and I can't recall any other D-1 Football players from our school being drafted in any sport besides baseball.
BobbyGraham writes:
It's kind of a catch 22. If he would have gone to UT, maybe he sits on the bench and then gets mad and leaves like BJ Coleman. On the otherhand, he goes somewhere where he can play quicker and everyone questions why we passed on him. Other examples are Chad Pennington and Tyson (cant remember his last name) from Farragut who went to Wake Forest and got drafted by the Falcons
jbc writes:
You are not allowed to pump your own gas in Oregon, I am pretty sure.
Tyson was Tyson Clabo I believe.
Halls3 writes:
This isn't a surprise to me. I played football against him my freshman year when he was a senior & he was damn good at least compared to most people around the Knoxville area anyways.
txsvol#372416 writes:
Partly explains our 5 & 7 record last year, doesn't it? SAVol
hdhurst writes:
Which is why all the Fulmer haters have no basis for dogging him due to our lack of drafts. All classes have their share of busts, and this new regime will have it's share. You people are going to have to face the music one day...this coaching staff we have now is not GOD, but go ahead and have your "we finally have the perfect coach syndrome" a little longer.
Halls3 writes:
If only people would take off their blinders for a few seconds they would understand this. All these fans like you speak of only see no more Phillip Fulmer but miss the fact none of these coaches have proven they can do anything except lose, minus Monte but he also is the reason John Gruden is out of a job.
NO_DIGGITY writes:
I hope Garrett can catch on with the Falcons and join another former Knoxville guy Tyson Clabo on their OL. 2 sons of former Vols on the same team. If you think about it not many Knoxville high school players make the NFL.
Here is a short list off the top of my head.
Fulton - D.D. Lewis and Ron Widby
Webb - Chad Pennington
Bearden - Britton Colquitt
A.E. - Reggie and Raleigh McKenzie, Leroy Thompson
Rule - Mike (Stop) Cofer
Farragut - Bill Bates and Tyson Clabo
Central - Reggie Cobb and Tim Irwin
I know Neil Clabo and Phil Clabo played NFL but can't think
of their High School.
TrouserCough writes:
Fulmer needs a chance to get this thing turned around
sigmundoooz#264365 writes:
I'm amazed at all the former Carter High Hornets on here so I had to give a shout out to those quality East Knoxville folk. I'm a class of '83 Carter alum. A BIG congratulations to Mr. Reynolds. I'm not even sure that any Carter guys have ever been significant contributors at a D1 school let alone make the NFL. Another congrats young man. I'm sure the entire community will be following your career. Even those of us a thousand miles away from dear old Strawberry Plains will be watching the NFL with renewed interest.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
The Vols ponied up 6 mil to get this thing turned around.
And also didn't get to keep the charts.
SouthDakotaBob writes:
For D1 Carter High prospects you would have to go back to Mike Chollman and Bobby Brooks. I'm another Carter alum from the class of '84 and just have to say congrats Mr Reynolds and I don't regret turning down my preferred walkon offer either.
GOBIGORANGE
Volunatic writes:
I can't believe that they didn't offer a scholarship to Hacksaw Reynolds' nephew. Nebraska and VA Tech offered him, but Darius Myers and Malcolm Rawls were CLEARLY too good to pass up, so UT didn't have any room for him. An in-state player. With DEEP UT family ties, no less.
Well, I'm glad it worked out for him. Things sure didn't work out well for UT over that time period.
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