UF freshman Mohamoud Diabate first knew him as, “Mr. Reese.”
The salutation was a sign of respect from an 18-year-old for fellow linebacker David Reese’s stature and seniority.
“I’m like, ‘Mahamoud, I don’t need to talk to you like that, man,’” Reese recalled.
Diabate’s words also were a reminder Reese’s time with the Gators was running out.
“It definitely moves fast, man,” he said Tuesday.
Reese, 21, will conclude his final spring at UF on Saturday and his final college season early next winter.
Reese hopes to make it his best one yet, for both himself and the Gators.