Lions Re-Sign Local Star
Published on September 24, 2020 under National Arena League (NAL)
Columbus Lions News Release
Following a string of free agent signings in the 2020 offseason, the Columbus Lions are resigning a player from the 2019 regular season. Desmond Reece, a receiver, running back and kick returner, has resigned with the Lions for the 2021 season.
Reece has had success at all three levels. He played high school football at Valley High School, only 30 miles from Columbus. In his four years at Valley High, Reece had 1,800 receiving yards, 31 total touchdowns, and even one interception on the defensive side of the ball. Reece was named a team captain and the MVP of Valley High.
Reece's versatility earned him a spot on the team at Tuskegee University. In 3 seasons, he had 50 catches for 740 yards. 426 of those yards came in his junior season, when Reece led the team in receiving as they made a run in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
After finishing up his career at Tuskegee, Reece eventually found a spot on the Lions' roster. His versatility, which had been on display since his time at Valley High, was one of the things that made him stand out.
In his one season with the team, Reece had 45 yards on the ground and eight touchdowns, the most on the team, as well as 128 receiving yards on 14 catches and one touchdown. He also returned three kickoffs for 93 yards in total.
"Desmond is a special player that can do it all, he is humble and a tremendous teammate," said Head Coach Jason Gibson. "His character is the type of players we want."
Reece's ability to play multiple positions is one of the reasons the Lions signed him and now as he gets more comfortable in the offense, the Lions could find more ways to utilize him next season.
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