University of San Diego wide receiver Ja’seem Reed showed up for an interview Wednesday with his right arm in a sling. There was fluid on his elbow, the Toreros were concerned about infection and there was some concern that Reed might not play Saturday against Stetson.
But play, the senior did.
On Senior Day against the Hatters at Torero Stadium, in his final home game, Reed caught five es for 121 yards and three TDs as USD battered the Hatters 45-6. USD improved to 7-3 overall and 5-2 in the Pioneer Football League. Stetson (2-8, 0-6) lost its eighth straight.
All of Reed’s work came in the first half. After catching TD es of 24, 30 and 15 yards, Reed watched the second half from the sideline in shorts and a sweatshirt as a precaution.
Reed didn’t practice all week, and said he didn’t know he would be on the field until Friday, when he was cleared by the training staff.
Asked his reaction when he got the OK, Reed said, “I was ecstatic.”
So was his quarterback. USD scored touchdowns on its first six possessions, all on Grant Sergent es. The sixth-year senior completed 20 of 28 attempts for 311 yards, the six TDs and no interceptions. He also had a 46-yard catch as part of a trick play.
The TD es covered 9, 24, 30, 15, 23 and 27 yards. The six TD es fell one shy of the school record, shared by Anthony Lawrence (2018), Josh Johnson (2005) and Eric Rasmussen (2002).
Regarding what it’s like to play with Reed, Sergent said: “He’s next level, he’s unbelievable, he’s super good. When in doubt, you find Ja’seem.”
“I think Grant and Ja’seem have a rapport that’s uncanny,” said USD coach Brandon Moore. “Whenever we’re in trouble, that’s who we look for.”
USD’s defense certainly did its part, intercepting three es, two by senior Ruben Lopez. The Toreros pitched a shutout until 48 seconds remained when Stetson’s Trey Clark busted loose for a 52-yard TD run against USD backups.
The Toreros’ special teams even got into the act, with senior Brian Coburn blocking a field goal attempt.
USD is now 11-0 all-time against Stetson. The last nine wins have all come by at least 24 points.
USD closes the season next weekend at Morehead State, which is 9-2 (5-2 PFL) and coming off a 29-20 upset of first-place Drake.
