Iowa State Lands Underrated EDGE Elijah Reeder in Early Signing Day Surprise
Iowa State didn’t just make a move on Early Signing Day - they made a statement. The Cyclones quietly brought in Bayville (NJ) Central’s Elijah Reeder for a late official visit, extended an offer, and just like that, got him signed and committed. No drama, no drawn-out process - just decisive recruiting from a staff that knows what it’s looking for.
At 6-foot-6 and 210 pounds, Reeder is the kind of long, lean edge rusher who jumps off the tape. He racked up 50 tackles as a senior - 19 of those behind the line of scrimmage - and added eight sacks.
That kind of disruption is hard to ignore, especially when it comes from a player who also found the end zone six times on offense. He’s not just a pass rusher; he’s a football player.
Reeder self-reports a 4.61-second 40-yard dash, which, for a guy with his frame, is more than enough to raise eyebrows. That kind of speed, paired with his length, gives Iowa State a high-upside project at a premium position. And while his offer list before Iowa State included smaller programs like New Haven, Monmouth, and Bryant, the Cyclones clearly saw something others missed - and they moved quickly to lock it down.
“I feel truly blessed by God to be given this opportunity and truly appreciate the coaches over at Iowa State for believing in me,” Reeder said. “The coaches are all very down to earth and incredible people. One of the reasons I fell in love with the program is because their staff - like Matt Campbell and Eli Rasheed - have been a part of the program for a decade now.”
That kind of continuity matters. In an era of constant turnover and coaching carousel chaos, Iowa State’s staff stability is a selling point, and it clearly resonated with Reeder. Campbell and Rasheed have built a reputation for identifying and developing under-the-radar talent, and Reeder looks like another potential gem.
The plan is to add weight to his frame and develop him as a true defensive end/EDGE. Right now, he’s a high-upside athlete with the tools - length, speed, motor - to grow into a problem for Big 12 offensive lines. Iowa State has never shied away from betting on traits, and Reeder fits that mold to a tee.
According to 247Sports, Reeder is rated as a high three-star prospect with an 89 grade. He ranks as the No. 56 EDGE in the country and the No. 9 senior in New Jersey - not bad for a guy whose recruitment flew under the radar until the final stretch.
This is the kind of move that doesn’t make national headlines on Signing Day, but it’s the type of addition that can pay off in a big way down the line. Iowa State saw a fit, trusted their evaluation, and closed the deal. That’s how you build a roster - one smart, strategic pickup at a time.