Goldsboro HS alum also has sights on playing in the SEC
By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on December 8, 2013 1:52 AM
rcoggins@newsargus.com
SCOOBA, Miss. -- Jarran Reed didn't consider his dream of playing for a Southeastern Conference football team shattered last season.
It turned into a wake-up call.
The Goldsboro High alum fell two credits shy of completing the necessary course load to attend the University of Florida. The extra year at East Mississippi Community College and a major shift in work ethic -- in and out of the classroom -- has kept Reed focused on his main objective.
Now, the goal is within reach.
Reed is expected to earn his two-year degree later this month and should be available to participate in spring drills at the University of Alabama, according to officials at EMCC.
"It came down to Florida and Alabama last year," Reed said. "This year, it's a different story. I know (Alabama) is the best place for me. Going to back to East Mississippi, I think it helped a lot and it taught me some new things as a player and person.
"I've learned to play with better technique coming off the ball. As a person, I've learned you never take anything for granted because you never know what could happen, and how to stay humble."
Reed is modest about his success at EMCC.
A defensive lineman/linebacker during his prep days, Reed has helped lead the Lions to the 2013 National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) game against No. 1-ranked and unbeaten Georgia Military College today.
Kickoff is 2 p.m. at Biloxi, Miss.
"We have been lucky and fortunate," Reed said. "Everybody entertains the idea of playing for a national championship. What matters is how hard you work for it and the time you're willing to put. We've done a lot of both."
East Mississippi (11-0 overall) is making its second appearance in the national championship game during the past three years. The Lions claimed the national title in 2011, while GMC is seeking its first NJCAA crown since 2001.
Reed earned a spot on the 2013 NJCAA All-Region 23 squad after posting 60 tackles this season. One of eight Lions to receive all-region honors, Reed recorded 3 1/2 quarterback sacks and recovered one fumble for a defensive unit that posted five shutouts during a six-week span.
EMCC held the opposition to one touchdown on three occasions.
"I played some defensive line while I was in high school and the only difference is you have to be physical to go from outside to inside," Reed said. "I put on some weight. It's not an easy position, but I definitely like it. I just play hard for my team and I don't want to let my teammates down.
"I've been playing around a great group of guys and coaches. It's been a great opportunity and a great experience."