Palmer High senior earns chance to play college football

PALMER — Much like his older brothers, Nathan Reeves grew up on the ice. But as his brothers continued with hockey, Reeves opted to forge his own path.

And that led the Palmer High School senior to the opportunity to play college football.

Reeves will play for Lewis-Clark Valley College, a Division III program in Lewiston, Idaho.

“I kind of wanted to do something different,” Reeves said recently.

Reeves started skating in the first grade. But as he got older, he grew more interested in two other sports.

Wrestling and football.

Reeves started having some success on the wrestling mat. Once he hit the field in youth football, Reeves was hooked.

“I’ve always wanted to play college football,” Reeves said of a goal he’s had since playing at the youth level.

Reeves was a member of both the Moose wrestling and football teams in each of his four years at PHS. But football emerged as the focus.

“I realized that’s what I want to do,” Reeves said.

Reeves, who also considered programs such as Minnesota-Morris, said an opportunity to visit the Lewis-Clark campus played a big role in his decision to call Idaho his next home.

“I really like the coaches there, really like the campus atmosphere,” Reeves said.

Reeves, a wide receiver and defensive back, said he could potentially play on either side of the ball, and even both ways. He said he believes he’s best suited for the defensive side of the field.

“I want to play defense,” Reeves said.

Defense was his focus as an upperclassman at Palmer.

“Honestly, I just like to hit people. I really like defense,” Reeves said.

But there’s also the opportunity to compete against the top offensive weapons.

“I love getting the chance to play against the best receivers. I think it’s a challenge,” Reeves said. “It’s fun every time I get to line up one-on-one.”

Reeves said his time at the All-Alaska Football Camp during the offseason prior to his senior year helped him realize he has the ability to play at the college level.

“The camp coaches came up and talked to me about how I could play college football,” Reeves said.

Reeves said that provided motivation to work harder, get bigger and stronger. Reeves said All-Alaska camp director Randy Klingenmeyer helped put him in contact with the Lewis-Clark coaching staff.

“I’m really thankful. Randy is a great guy. He helped me out,” Reeves said.

As a member of the Moose, Reeves helped Palmer advance to the Division II state title game in back-to-back years. Reeves plans to study criminal justice in college.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com