Kendall Reyes was starring at the University of Connecticut when “Monday Night Football” still opened its national broadcast with six words NFL fans love to hear.

Are you ready for some football?

The iconic question — like the country music singer who asked it — has since been cut from the program's introduction. But Nashua's Reyes is ready nonetheless.

“I've been waiting a long time for this moment. I've been preparing a lot, and I'm ready to go,” said the 22-year-old rookie defensive end, whose San Diego Chargers start the season at Oakland in the second half of an “MNF” doubleheader nightcap (ESPN, 10:15 p.m.).

“It's going to be a crazy one. It's Chargers-Raiders. Oakland's got the 'Black Hole,'” Reyes said of the AFC West rivalry and the Oakland Coliseum's section of rowdiest Raider diehards. “It's going to be intense. It's the first game of the year, a lot of fresh guys going at each other.”

Reyes, wearing No. 91, is expected to be among those guys. The team's official web site lists the 6-foot 4-inch, 300-pound talent second on the depth chart at left defensive end.

The former three-sport high school star at Nashua North (Class of 2007) certainly opened eyes in the preseason. He made five solo tackles, assisted on four others and recorded 1.5 quarterback sacks. The Chargers went 3-1.

One national blog included a note that Reyes, San Diego's second-round selection (49th overall) in the April draft, figures to “make an instant impact.”

If Reyes is aware of such reports, he isn't giving any indication. He spent the majority of his first NFL preseason, a grueling six-week stretch, working 14-hour days. Workouts, walk-through practices and multiple team meetings dominated his daily schedule.

“I feel like I did some good things this preseason. It also proves I've still got a lot to work on,” he said. “It's all about getting better every day, learning from my mistakes. I'm a young guy. I've still got to develop into the player I want to become.”

Absent from the playoffs for two years running, the Chargers struggled to generate an effective pass rush during last year's 8-8 season. The defense's 32 sacks ranked 23rd out of 32 teams. Those QB takedowns translated to just 187 yards lost (28th overall).

Opposing signal-callers, in turn, combined to complete 62.6 percent of their passes against the Chargers (26th overall).

Chargers head coach Norv Turner told reporters during a recent press briefing that he sees Reyes eventually playing in the team's 3-4 base defense and “kicking down playing over an offensive guard in what we call the 'three technique.'

“But,” Turner added, “where he can have an impact early, I personally believe ... is in our sub packages as an interior rusher.”

Turner cited the lateral quickness, or “sideline to sideline” speed, that Reyes possesses.

His combination of mobility and muscle add to a defensive line group that features tackles Antonio Garay (320 pounds), Aubrayo Franklin (317) and Cam Thomas (335), as well as ends Corey Liuget (300) and Vaughn Martin (308), whom Reyes backs up.

“Kendall will be a complete player,” Turner said. “But, again ... we certainly believe in those sub packages, multiple guys who can rush the passer. He should be able to be productive for us there.”

Reyes said his first NFL preseason was like “becoming a freshman again.” He actively studied his position, regularly reviewed his responsibilities and always listened to established veterans such as Takeo Spikes and Shaun Phillips, who have 24 years of pro experience between them.

Reyes isn't a stranger to playing in big games. His decorated career at UConn prepared him for pro football's Monday-night spotlight.

“If I get nervous, it's usually gone by the first snap,” he said. “And that's if.”

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Marc Thaler may be reached at mthaler@unionleader.com.