Terrell Reese has a knack for catching things, whether it's footballs, basketballs or the attention of high school coaches and college recruiters.

If it's out there to be had, Reese is likely to grab it.

"It's always been that," Reese said. "I could catch even when I played pee wee football. It's just God-given talent. All my life I've just liked catching the ball. My hands are big and strong, which helps me in basketball, too."

Reese will go into his senior season with the Brenham Cubs determined to build on a strong junior campaign that included 34 receptions for 423 yards and four touchdowns. His offseason proved perhaps better, with Reese receiving several scholarship offers and committing to sign with the University of Utah.

"They're an up-and-coming program," Reese said. "I knew I wanted to play in the Mountain West [Conference] or the Big 12. I chose Utah because they like to throw the ball a whole bunch and they play good competition."

Reese caught the attention of Brenham coaches as a freshman. Varsity head coach Glen West remembers sitting in the stands three years ago and being impressed by Reese.

"We spotted him as a freshman," West said. "I saw him make catches, and I knew right then that he was a kid who would help us. His hands are as good as any we've had."

Brenham has sent several receivers to major college programs and one to the NFL during West's tenure. That's a lot of good-hands people.

"I don't know if there's anybody he reminds me of," West said. "Terrell is Terrell."

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Reese tries to pattern his game, but not necessarily his off-field behavior, after NFL receiver Terrell Owens.

"That's who I watch the most," Reese said. "He has good hands and good footwork. My coaches call me T.O. It makes me feel special. That's a compliment."

Reese, who helped the Cubs reach the regional quarterfinals in basketball last season, is one of several Brenham football players who excel at other sports. Others include quarterback Ty Schlottmann and Jeremy Hall, who play for the powerful Brenham baseball program.

"We are partial to receivers who have played basketball," West said. "Typically, someone that has played basketball understands how to position his body to catch balls, and his hands are soft. That is Terrell."

Reese was caught slightly off-guard when he received scholarship offers in the spring from major college programs including Colorado and Utah.

West said early scholarship offers and accepting them can boost or hurt a player's senior season of high school football. He expects Reese to benefit from his decision to commit during the summer.

"He's got a lot more confidence right now than he's ever had in the past," West said. "He seems like he belongs."