Illinois State linebacker Shanon Reid has a team-leading 56 tackles for the Redbirds this fall. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)

In the 11 games he has played in an Illinois State uniform, linebacker Shanon Reid has earned a reputation as a big hitter since transferring from the University of Tennessee.

His physical play is much like that of the player most well-known for the No. 21 jersey he wears, the late University of Miami and NFL star Sean Taylor, who was killed in 2007. This season, Reid leads the Redbirds with 56 tackles.

When Reid isn’t on the football field, he enjoys spending time at ISU’s Bone Student Center. He misses the soul food his father prepares every Sunday back home in Florida, but he certainly doesn’t miss the heat.

Learn all about Reid in our Moving the Chains Q&A interview:

You also played baseball and basketball in high school. Which positions did you play?

I just picked up on baseball in high school, so I’d say basketball was my better sport. I played forward and center in basketball. I played right and left field in baseball.

Why do you wear No. 21?

I wear it for Sean Taylor. (The Florida native and star NFL free safety was killed in 2007.) It really was cool (to see the Washington Football Team retire his number recently). A lot of people were wondering when that was going to happen.

What’s the best part of playing linebacker?

It would have to be being the leader of the defense, hitting people and being able to drop in coverage too.

Fort Myers has two nearby Major League Baseball teams during spring training – the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. Have you ever attended a spring game?

I’ve always wanted to stop by, just knowing we have it in our area. But I never got to do that growing up.

Is there a restaurant or food from back home that you wish you could bring to Bloomington-Normal?

My dad cooks soul food every Sunday. I’d say his cooking. He cooks good macaroni and cheese, barbecue ribs, collard greens and yellow rice.

Growing up, what was your favorite Halloween costume to wear?

One year when I was younger, I dressed up as a football player. I had like an old leather helmet. I’d say that or I was Scream one year.

Growing up in Florida, what was your favorite college team?

I was a Florida State Seminole fan every day. I’ve got my room at home still in Florida State (items) right now.

Who was your favorite player growing up?

From FSU, I’m going to have to go with Deion Sanders. He’s from my hometown. And I loved everybody in that 2013, 2014 class for sure.

What’s the most interesting class you’ve taken at Illinois State?

There was a class I took about the background of building a facility (for events). We talked about how much square footage you need, when to rent certain events out based on the size of your facility. I did an assignment based on if I was to host a 7-on-7 (football) tournament here at ISU. It was great getting an understanding of the behind-the-scenes side of it.

Who’s the toughest guy on the Illinois State team for you to tackle?

I’ve hit everybody a lot. (Laughs) The only person that gives me a challenge when we hit is Tim (McCloyn, the Redbirds’ fullback).

As a Southerner, what’s the worst part about living in the Midwest?

The weather. I’ve seen snow when I played at Tennessee. But it was not as bad as what it is up here.

What do you miss most and least about your home state of Florida?

What I miss the most is my family and just hanging out with my friends, especially when we all come home from college and are working out and training together. What I miss the least is the heat. One time when I went back home, a group of guys did a 7-on-7 workout and I wasn’t out there for 30 minutes and I couldn’t breathe. You have really adjust to it. You can’t just expect to come back and expect to be in condition for Florida heat.

Other than Illinois State, what’s the best-looking uniform in the Missouri Valley Football Conference?

I haven’t gotten a chance to play everybody yet. I’d have to go with North Dakota’s (green and black look).

Let’s say you are the NCAA president for one day, which rule would you like to change?

The targeting rule! (Reid has been ejected from two games for targeting this season.) I’d change being ejected from the game and still keep it as a personal foul.

Do you have a favorite place to hang out on campus?

I like the Bone Student Center. I do homework over there.

After football, what’s your dream job?

I’d like to run a facility for kids, for them to have something to do after football season to stay out of trouble.

Which teammates inspires you the most?

I would say (defensive lineman) Jason Lewan. (He was injured in the spring season and missed significant time this fall.) He missed a lot of time and has come back and been productive for us. Seeing his (foot) injury, it’s a miracle that he’s back on the field with us, especially this early. He kept his head down and kept working so he can come back and fight with us.