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He's not as famous as Dri Archer or Jordan Lynch. Most defenders only recognize him by the No. 1 painted on the back of his jersey visible as he scampers away. But when Toledo Rockets' senior Bernard Reedy has the ball in his hands, all eyes are on him. A dynamic receiver and return man, Reedy is a game changer whenever, and wherever he is on the field. Just take a look at the 2013 Biletnikoff Award Watch List member's resume:
- 2011 Military Bowl Game MVP
- 2012 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Team MVP
- 2012 Second Team All-MAC at Kick Returner
- 2012 First Team All-MAC at Punt Returner
- 2012 First Team All-MAC at Wide Receiver
After sitting behind Eric Page for two seasons Reedy didn't miss a beat stepping up big in 2012. The Toledo receiver hauled in 89 receptions for 1,105 yards, good enough to place him third in the MAC in receiving yards in 2012. If that wasn't enough, he added another 1,095 yards with four touchdowns on special teams (210 yards and one TD on punt returns, 885 yards and three TD's on kickoff returns). Only seven players in the nation had more kickoff return yards than Reedy, who all-told had nearly 300 more yards returning kicks than second team All-American Dri Archer.
While Reedy might not have the size of an Alex Neutz or the body control of Willie Snead, he brings a natural ability for breaking big plays to the table. With the ball in his hands, Reedy transforms into 5-foot-9 Rocket, zipping past defenders with ease, and breaking ankles like a mafia enforcer. When you look up deep threat in the dictionary, Bernard Reedy's photo should be there.
In his sophomore season he averaged 19 yards a catch. Last season he showed off that big play ability against Eastern Michigan racking up 407 total yards, with the shortest of his three scores that day coming on a 59-yard touchdown reception. Reedy was also an integral part in the Rocket's 29-23 upset over then No. 21 Cincinnati, scoring the go ahead touchdown on a 91-yard kickoff return late in the 3rd quarter (the highlight begins at the 2:20 mark on the link).
A 3 star recruit out of St. Petersburg, Fla., Reedy ran a 4.4 in high school, and only seems to have gotten faster. Back for a senior season, he's primed to have another huge year. With quarterback Terrance Owens (No. 25 on our list) and running back David Fluellen also back, defenses will have a hard time shutting down Reedy, for fear of letting up a big play somewhere else.
But what makes things even better for Reedy is that he's not Owen's only option in the spread. Lining up opposite of the senior is No. 62 overall MAC player, Alonzo Russell, who hauled in nearly 1,000 yards last season as a true freshman. Then of course there is the 4 star dynamo freshman receiver Corey Jones. Those two are sure to relieve even more pressure from Reedy, allowing for us to possibly see some more long-haul touchdowns from the elder receiver this season. That's something any #MACtion fan is sure to enjoy.