Reisz signs LOI at South Dakota State for football

HCHS Senior Jozef Reisz has signed a football Letter of Intent at South Dakota State University.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was a kid,” he said. “Everyone can say that, but growing up I always knew I wanted to play college football at a high level and my dreams are coming true. I just need to follow through, keep working hard, and everything will fall in line.”

During the signing, Reisz’s parents, Greg and Julie, were in attendance, along with some of his coaches. Reisz’s older brother, Franz, was not in attendance. Franz is a 2024 HCHS graduate who currently plays football at University of Northern Iowa. Jozef credited his family for their support along the way.

“Ever since I was a kid, playing with Franz, he really pushed me to become the player I am today,” he added. “Having him always bigger than me, made me compete at a higher level. Franz has done a tremendous job for me.”

With multiple choices in front of him, Reisz talked about what led to him choosing SDSU.

“I had Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, and South Dakota. I was choosing in between. All really good programs, really good schools. What it really came down to was where I wanted to see myself in the next 4-5 years, and South Dakota State I had that gut feeling. It just felt like the right place,” Reisz said.

This season, South Dakota State went 12-3 overall, including 8-0 at home. Reisz plans to major in agricultural business while attending there.

“It’s a great campus and has great people,” he said. “It’s very family oriented and it feels like home to me.”

During his football career with the Cyclones, Reisz was a part of two state titles (2021 & 2022), while leading the team his senior season with 1,034 receiving yards. Reisz was coached by Todd Bladt, Mark Kohorst, John Murtaugh, Sam Brummer, Jeff Hastert, and James Cairney.

“Starting when I was a freshman, to 7-on-7, to lifting, to everything, they’ve been top-notch,” Reisz said. “They’ve really pushed me and the rest of my teammates throughout Harlan Community to be the best human beings and best athletes we could ever be. I’ve really aspired to be like them. Everybody’s done their part in leading me to this point. It’s been tremendous.”

Following his graduation, Reisz will forever be grateful for his time at HCHS, along with the life lessons he’s been taught.

“What I’ll take away is great people and great sports,” he said. “I feel like we’re joined as one.”