Reaves was born and raised in Pensacola, Florida and attended Pensacola Catholic High School, where he played both baseball and football. He originally played running back for the Crusaders before his coach moved him to defensive back after his sophomore year, in large part due his inability to gain yards after contact on carries. He was named first team all-area as a junior and honorable mention All-State as a senior after recording 39 tackles and five interceptions despite missing an extended period of time because of fractures to his L5 and L6 vertebrae.
College career
Reaves played four seasons for the South Alabama Jaguars, playing cornerback his first three years before moving to safety going into his senior season. He was named second team All-Sun Belt as a sophomore, his first season as a starter, after making 96 tackles, eight for a loss, and leading the team with six passes broken up and tying for the team lead with two interceptions and three forced fumbles. In his junior season Reaves was named first team All-Sunbelt after making 85 tackles and again led the team with seven pass breakups and was second on the team with three interceptions. As a senior, Reaves recorded 104 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three interceptions and three forced fumbles and was named Sun Belt ConferenceDefensive Player of the Year. Reaves finished his collegiate career with 301 tackles, eight interceptions, 22 passes defensed, and eight forced fumbles. His performance earned him an invitation to the 2018 Senior Bowl, where he made eight tackles and an interception.
Reaves signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. He was waived by the Eagles at the end of training camp on September 1, 2018.
Reaves was signed to the Washington Redskins practice squad on September 12, 2018. He was promoted to the Redskins' active roster on December 19, 2018. He made his NFL debut on December 22, 2018 against the Tennessee Titans. Reaves was waived on August 31, 2019, but was signed to the practice squad the following day. He was promoted to the active roster on October 12, 2019. Reaves made his first career start on October 24, 2019 against the Minnesota Vikings, making three tackles before leaving the game due to a concussion. In 2019, Reaves finished the season with 15 tackles, a quarterback hit and a pass defended in nine games played.
