Reis on the move again for Tech's defense

ATLANTA - One year ago, Chris Reis made a dramatic move from safety to linebacker because it was the right thing for Georgia Tech's defense.

This year, Reis has moved back to safety. Once again, it's the right move for the team, but this time Reis notes he and Tech's coaches also are looking out for his future.

"It's the best move for me also," Reis said. "If I'm going to play in the NFL, it's not going to be at linebacker."

At 6-foot-1 and about 215 pounds, Reis is small even for a college linebacker, but he still delivered big production in his breakthrough 2004 season.

Reis finished fifth in the Atlantic Coast Conference with eight sacks, including seven in ACC games. He ranked fourth on the team with 70 tackles and led the defense with six pass breakups.

Reis was one of three new starting linebackers on the team, and still the unit finished 12th in the nation in total defense.

Now Tech has other young linebackers ready to play, so Reis, a senior from Roswell, is on the move again.

"It was more of the team needed me there," he said. "We lost James Butler, and I've played that position. It was the best move. We have a lot of good linebackers moving up."

Where would Tech be without Reis? Coach Chan Gailey says the senior's value is difficult to describe.

"I don't think I can put it into words," Gailey said. "I really don't. He's not selfish. He wants what is best for the team. He plays whatever position and plays it well, and he's a great leader. That's trying to put it into words, but I'm not doing it justice, what he means to the football team."

When Tech opened spring practice, it boasted 10 returning starters on defense. Butler, a strong safety, was the starter defensive coordinator Joe Tenuta had to replace.

That soon changed:

-Defensive tackle Darryl Richard was lost for the season with a knee injury.

-Defensive end Travis Parker was lost due to academics.

-Cornerback Reuben Houston is under suspension while awaiting trial on drug trafficking charges.

Suddenly there were more holes to fill when Tech opened preseason practice for its Sept. 3 opener at Auburn.

"I think we're going to be just as good," Reis said. "I have no doubt about the people filling those holes."

Cornerback Dennis Davis, a part-time starter two years ago, gives Tech an experienced replacement for Houston. Adamm Oliver has three starts at defensive end. Mansfield Wrotto, who had moved from defense to the offensive line in the spring, is back at defensive tackle.

Gailey's bigger concern is who will emerge as backups behind the new starters.

"It looks like we'll have about eight guys returning on defense who have started a game," Gailey said. "And we've got to have some depth come through from some young players.

"That's going to be a key for us, to have some young guys step up and provide some depth for us on defense, maybe from some guys who played on special teams last year and did not get in games a lot. Whether it's third down, goal-line or short yardage, they're going to have to help us on the field this year."

Reis says the only inexperienced starter on the defense may be his replacement at outside linebacker, sophomore Philip Wheeler.

"Our biggest thing as a defense, we want to finish in the top 10 if not the top five," Reis said. "We know we can do it."