Jalen Reeves-Maybin: 'It's a relief' as Detroit Lions draft Clarksville native

Jalen Reeves-Maybin's journey to the National Football League is complete.

The Detroit Lions selected Reeves-Maybin with the 18th pick of the fourth round (124th overall) Saturday afternoon, ending more than a day of suspense for the former University of Tennessee standout.

"Its a relief," Reeves-Maybin told The Leaf-Chronicle on Saturday afternoon. "It's been a lot of years of working to get to the highest level and now I'm here. I don't want to waste that opportunity. Just knowing that everything I have worked for isn't in vain means a lot. I'm thankful Detroit is giving me the opportunity."

Reeves-Maybin said he figured he'd have to wait until the second day. Late Friday the anxiety began to set in.

"More or so it was later in the second round and into Saturday morning that I was on pins and needles," he said. "I just tried to relax and not think about it too much. At that point, it's out of your control and you're in wait-and-see mode."

But Reeves-Maybin said he got a phone call from Lions general manager Bob Quinn, head coach Jim Caldwell and Lions owner Martha Ford just before he was selected.

"They just told me that they valued the time I spent with them in meetings during the (NFL) combine and at my pro day," Reeves-Maybin said.

The former Northeast High All State star said he had discussions with several NFL teams during the combine and was satisfied with his pro day last month. But he felt a special connection with the Lions organization.

"Detroit seemed very interested in me and that felt good," he said. "That's why I feel so comfortable with this."

The 6-foot, 230-pound Reeves-Maybin is the second linebacker taken by the Lions in the draft and will have a chance to compete for a roster spot this summer during training camp. But he's had a history of shoulder problems. He missed nine games last fall in his final season in Knoxville after a shoulder injury. However, Reeves-Maybin said he went through medical tests at the combine to prove his health and by the time of his pro day, NFL teams were not concerned.

"I was checked and re-checked," the former Eagles star said. "I think they know I'm ready to go."

Reeves-Maybin's speed stood out at UT, which could prove useful as an outside linebacker in Detroit's 4-3 defensive scheme. But Reeves-Maybin made a splash early in his Vols career as a special teams standout. He could have a role in that capacity for the Lions as well.

"Once you get your name called, it doesn't matter what round it is," he said. "It's up to you to prove you belong. I know how hard I work and I'll get a chance to show that work and I know I'll be fine as long as I continue to do what I've always done."

Reach Prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.