2025 Interview with Reid Claus from Bellevue High School

 

Reid Claus

Bellevue High School/Bellevue, Ohio

Defensive end, defensive tackle, linebacker, offensive tackle

2026

6’2 225

Jersey Number: 50

Awards won or earned:

2nd team defensive line, SBC Bay

Bellevue’s D-rock award winner for best defensive lineman

Honor roll in school all year

HUDL LINK: https://www.hudl.com/v/2QeQuA

Other sports played: basketball and baseball

Please post a small recap of last season with something like a big game you had, something about a certain game, something from a bus ride to or from the game, or something that sticks out from a practice.

A recap on last year: it was not the greatest team-wise because we went 2-8, but we held our own the last four games of the year and didn’t lose by more than 14 points. We were in the games; we just couldn’t finish the games. Personally, last year I had 5.5 sacks with 30 tackles (14 TFL), 1 interception, 1 forced fumble, and 1 touchdown. The touchdown came against Port Clinton when we were down 7. I read the scream pass and picked it off and took it for 6. I had 2 sacks against Norwalk, 2 sacks against Wauseon, 1 against Edison, and .5 against Shelby.

What was the highlight of the 2024 season?

The highlight of the 2024 season was the Wauseon game because it was my birthday that day, and I had two sacks and four QB hurries along with a couple tackles.

What is the toughest part of the first practice in full pads?

I’d say the toughest part of the first practice is getting back to hitting people and feeling that feeling again.

What are your goals for the season?

My goal is 10 sacks and 60 tackles this year, as well as all-league again, and all-district and all-Ohio would be great as well.

What goals will you set for the team?

The team goals this year are to be league champs, make playoffs, and just go have fun out there. We have a lot of returning guys with varsity experience, so we will be prepared.

What part of your game do you believe is the strongest?

I believe the strongest part of my game is my strength and knowledge of what my key read is going to do.

What did you accomplish during the off-season to aid you in being a better player?

During the offseason I got a lot stronger, gained weight, and most importantly, I got faster, meaning I will be better at getting off the ball and getting to the quarterback.

Defensive end or linebacker, which one do you believe you are better at?

I’m definitely better at defensive end, but linebacker is so fun when you get to play downhill and just go hit people.

How would you describe your style of play?

I’d say my style of play is relentless because I’m never going to stop going. I could also say fast because I’m not the fastest guy on paper, but when I’m on the field, I’m usually faster than you’d expect.

What is the best part of being a student-athlete?

I like school because football helps you with school because you have to work hard to get good grades, and you have to try in every class.

What is the toughest part of being a student-athlete?

Being a student athlete is tough, especially when I take some college courses, so that makes it even more difficult. Sometimes you feel like you don’t have enough time, but really you do; it’s just about using your time wisely.

Who is the toughest teammate to square off against during practice?

The toughest teammate is Deacon Nunez because he puts a lot of work into the off-season, so we push each other, and he’ll beat me sometimes, but I also get him a lot as well.

Who is the best player that you have faced in a game, along with the team he played for?

The best player that I’ve faced was my freshman year. We played Glenville in the second round of the playoffs, and they had Arvelle Reese and Bryce West, who are both at Ohio State.

What makes you a good teammate?

I am a good teammate because I’m going to push you to be the best you can be, and if you mess up, I’m going to pick you up and lighten the frustrations.

Why should a college coach recruit you?

College coaches should recruit me because I want to play at the next level. I’ve been working a long time to try to make it to the next level, and watching my brothers play, I knew I had some shoes to fill following them, and I’d say I filled them pretty well. I have a great motor; I’m not going to take days off or just go rogue and do what I want because it’s the team first, always.

After the season is over, if you earn an invitation to any of the all-star games, will you play?

I will definitely play in them because I believe that it is a huge honor to be asked to play in those games. Hopefully by then I’ll have some offers, and I can just go show out one last time at the high school level.

Who is your favorite athlete?

My favorite athlete is probably Nick Boss because he’s the ideal build. He’s big and strong but also has very good speed. I feel that I play the style like him.

Have you been to Cedar Point?

I have been to Cedar Point, and I’ve also ridden every ride there, so I haven’t gone as much recently as I used to, but I’ll still go from time to time.

What scares you?

Nothing really scares me except for maybe snakes—not the little ones, but the big snakes scare me a little.

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