By P. Haywood
ST. PETERSBURG, FL — How do you allow a talented young man who amassed over 3,000 yards of total offense and 36 touchdowns as a high school senior to leave the state of Florida? Among other things Bernard Reedy, Jr. was listed as one of the top 100 athletes in the country during his senior year according to Rivals.com, which is a nationwide scouting service who rates perspective football players. Reedy was highly recruited by Florida’s big three (UF, FSU, UM), if you are into statistics, they could have taken him anywhere. However, Reedy found a school that would put his talents to work immediately.
The University of Toled is not stranger when it comes to recruiting football players in Pinellas County which dates back to the 1960’s. Steve Jones, who was the first African American football player at Dixie Hollins before integration received a scholarship from the Rockets around 1965.
Reedy started four games as a true freshman in 2010 and he caught five passes. In 2011 he started all 13 games as a wide receiver. Also, he increased his production by pulling in 40 passes for 758 yards and 9 touchdowns, while averaging 19 yards per catch. Reedy had several career games with 3 touchdowns against the Air Force Academy in the Military Bowl, in which he was named the game’s MVP. Furthermore, he also had a six reception game against Bowling Green. Among other things, he had several games where he topped the 100 yard plateau in receiving yard-age.
In a recent interview with Reedy he said, “I am looking to catch 65 passes and go over the 1,000 yard mark.”
“I also plan to also be a factor in the return game as well”, He says, “I am no longer the frail looking guy I was when I got here, I have put on about twenty pounds of muscle.” “The transition from high school to college has been very smooth.” He said, “Playing in inclement weather such as the snow took some getting used to.”
Coach Matt Campbell is continually raving about the talents of Reedy. During the spring game Reedy caught 7 passes for 150 yards. Campbell said, “Reedy will be an intricate part of our offense on the outside.” Bernard Reedy has taken his talents outside the state of Florida and he has been deemed one of the most dangerous receivers in the Mid-American Athletic Conference.
