Marcellus Reed finds relief in commitment to Pittsburg State

Football players are feeling the pressure on the recruiting trail to find a home at the next level, especially for those who will now play in the spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic pushing their season out from the fall. Marcellus Reed Marcellus Reed 5'10" | DB Palmer Ridge | 2021 State CO of Palmer Ridge admits that his recruiting process has been difficult on him over the last few months of 2020. “I’m not going to lie, this was one of the more stressful things I’ve ever done in my life, especially with the hard times and COVID thing going on,” Reed said. “Come late March and mid-April, I didn’t have any offers.” Then came a week in the spring where fate changed and the offers came in bunches, and it was off on the recruiting trail for Reed. But just as he was getting offers coming his way, the pandemic was shutting down visits to take and making things tougher for him. Fortunately, he was able to take a visit and form a relationship with some coaches at Pittsburg State, and the Division II program was rewarded on Wednesday, Aug. 26, when Reed committed to play at the program in 2021.

COMMITTED🔴🟡🦍#skogorillas @Coach_GSanders @MattB_3 @Coachbwright4 @CoachTomAnthony @patcashmore @GorillasFB pic.x.com/g5JjExxVsI

— Marcellus Reed (@marcellus_reed) August 26, 2020

“It feels great that it is now official,” Reed said. “I can’t wait to get out to Pittsburg State. I’m honestly just glad (the recruitment) is over now.” The list of schools in the running for Reed included a number of other NCAA Dvision II programs that were in-state and out of Colorado.

2021 2 star CB Marcellus Reed (@marcellus_reed) out of Palmer Ridge in Colorado committed to Pittsburg State over Minnesota Duluth, Bemidji State, Washburn, Missouri Western State, Colorado Mesa, Nebraska Kearney and Montana State Northern. https://t.co/veDpGc3s8b

— Lucas White (@LucasJWhite4) August 27, 2020

Reed was a productive player on both sides of the ball during the 2019 season. On offense, he recorded 11 receptions for 275 yards and three touchdowns, working well in the slot. His production on defense was just as impressive with 37 total tackles and a team-high six interceptions from his cornerback position on the outside. When the stage was the biggest, Reed stepped up and played his best. Perhaps his best game of the entire season came in the 2019 state championship game versus Pueblo South. He recorded a season-high six tackles and had an interception on defense and also caught two passes on offense, one of which went for a 53-yard touchdown, in a 35-13 win. In the postseason, Reed caught two of his three touchdowns passes and recorded 13 tackles, two pass breakups and an interception for Palmer Ridge. At 5-foot-11 and 165 pounds, Reed is a fluid runner in space with solid speed to blow by defenders on the go route and can run away from players after the catch. His speed is also an asset covering receivers on defense as he can run with them and close the gap, a big key for his high interception total. “I feel like having a lot of speed can transfer either on offense and defense,” Reed said. The decision for Reed is a relief, but the timing also comes just days before what was supposed to be the night of the first football game of the season. Instead of preparing for an opponent for Friday night this week, he is working hard and training to stay ready to play in the spring of 2021. Reed will look to play in some 7-on-7 events and is focused on helping Palmer Ridge in its quest for a fourth consecutive state championship. After playing in the unprecedented spring season, he will transition to the next level, where he plans to leave a mark with Pittsburg State. “I would see myself as a leader both on the field and off of it,” Reed said. “I love holding guys accountable, not only for the team but to also be a better person. Pittsburgh State is definitely going to get a leader and I’m looking to step up into that position as soon as I get there.”