Chambersburg grad Aaron Reese works way up Pitt ranks

Just a few short years ago, Aaron Reese was a Penn State football fan.

Not anymore.

After Pittsburgh defeated Penn State 42-39 on Saturday, it's doubtful if Reese will ever turn back.

In 2013, Reese was a standout offensive lineman for Chambersburg, and he constantly sided with his dad Dave in the Pitt-Penn State rivalry. But now Reese is a Panther, and there's no going back.

Now a red-shirt junior, Reese has worked his way up the Pitt ranks and is now second on the depth chart at left tackle, behind only senior Adam Bisnowaty.

"Aaron had a really good offseason," Dave Reese said. "He really increased his speed and made big strides in strength and speed. He's secured his position behind Bis, which is great. He's been trying to get on as a starter, but Adam is an All-American; he's not going to make it easy."

That just means Reese has to try harder, but he's no stranger to hard work. Reese was always one of the top players for the Trojans, and was the last Chambersburg player to be voted to the Big 33.

Reese also has a leg up, because he's already doing some starting work on special teams. He was on the field for all six of Pitt's point-after attempts, and also made some appearances on the punting team.

"Aaron has a chance to play for (a starting role) next year, so he's excited about that," Dave said. "He's playing some special teams, and it's just great to see him running out on the field and making his blocks. It's exciting as all get out."

Dave and Reese's mother, Michelle, have made the three-hour trek from Chambersburg for every Pitt home game since Reese was a freshman. With this being his fourth year at Pitt, Reese's parents say he has adjusted quite well.

"It's like all he's ever known now," Dave said. "The first year was definitely an eye opener, but it was nice when he got here - at Chambersburg, with his size, he was just an anomaly. Here, everybody is his size or bigger, and I think he acclimated really well because of that; it's kind of cool to not be the odd man out."

Michelle said, "There are a lot of really cool experiences. You get to do a lot with the travel and the bowl games. Just the atmosphere here in Pittsburgh, too; it's a much bigger team to be involved with."

And Pitt was definitely on the big stage Saturday. The rivalry renewal with Penn State was televised live on ESPN, and the stadium attendance of 69,983 broke a Heinz Field record set back in 1938.

Saturday's game also gave Reese a chance at a reunion. Several former Mid Penn Conference football players currently play for Penn State, including Reese's Big 33 roommate Andrew Nelson from Hershey. Reese had not seen Nelson since that game back in June 2013.

"Penn State actually recruited (Aaron) as well, but the opportunity opened here before it did at Penn State," Michelle said. "He really liked the coaches, the team; this was just a good fit for him."

With one year left of eligibility after 2016, Reese is setting his eyes on earning that starting role he's always dreamed of.

"He's just gotta work like a dog, really," Dave said. "The final say will be from the coaches whether he's ready for it, but he's gotta work hard and do what he can. I think he's learned from watching Bis and seeing Bis' work ethic and how he came up through. Hopefully that helps him for next year."