Some of last season’s PCC football stars are experiencing success at the Division I level.Record-setting wide receiver David Reed of the 12-0 Utah Utes will be playing in the GMAC Sugar Bowl against the 12-1 Alabama Crimson Tide.
Utah wide receivers Coach Aaron Roderick said that Reed jumped from the junior college level to Division 1 without a hitch.
“He learned quickly, it was immediate,” said Roderick.
“He stretches the field for us, he is our deep ball threat,” he said.
Reed finished the season with 23 receptions for 369 yards, averaging a team-high 16 yards per catch. The junior also returned 23 kickoffs for 588 yards.
“We expect big things from him,” Roderick said. “He will be a household name.”
Reed’s partner in the “David Show,” quarterback David Pittman, who broke virtually every passing record at PCC, was not able to contribute to the success of the Insight Bowl bound Minnesota Golden Gophers.
Minnesota head coach Tim Brewster plans on converting Pittman to a wide receiver or a defensive back.
Other former PCC players contributed to schools that weren’t as successful. Former receiver Marcus Anderson gained 617 yards receiving on 50 catches, for the New Mexico State Aggies.
He also tied for the team lead with nine touchdowns in his first season.
“It was alright,” said Anderson, of his performance this season. “Everything should be good next year, depending on who the coach is.”
Coach Hal Mumme was fired after finishing the season at 3-9, including seven straight losses in the Western Athletic Conference.
With the firing of Mumme and the departure of New Mexico State’s star receiver Chris Williams, Anderson is poised to have a better season as a senior.
“Marcus had a good year, although he was hampered by injury for part of it,” said Las Cruces Sun sports writer Felix Chavez.
“He has a chance to put up bigger numbers in 2009 due to Williams’ graduation,” he said.
Former Lancer linebacker Jason Scott also played for Mumme at New Mexico State.
“Jason had his moments this year. He had to learn a new defense and there were times when he was the team’s best defenders,” said Chavez.
“He had his ups and downs and he’ll need to work on finding consistency,” he said.
Last season starters, defensive back Terell Carr and offensive lineman Tom Njunge both saw playing time for the Arizona State Sun Devils in the Pacific 10 Conference.
Carr finished with three passes defended and an interception.
ASU finished a disappointing 5-7 and 4-5 in the PAC 10.
Former Lancer standout David Reed catches a pass for the Utah Utes against Oregon State. Reed finished his first season with 23 catches and scored six touchdowns. (Courtesy of University of Utah photo files)
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