Michigan State football: Spartans' star Jayden Reed is one dangerous man
If he touches the ball, something is going to happen. So make sure you’re locked in on Jayden Reed, because you’re likely going to witness something exciting from Michigan State’s emerging superstar.
The nation’s leader in all-purpose output, Reed has racked up 883 yards on 36 touches. That amount of touches is far less than half of others who are in the top 10 in that category.
During Michigan State’s 48-31 win over Western Kentucky this past Saturday, Reed accounted for 285 all-purpose yards and 2 TDs. He had 127 yards receiving, 7 rushing, 63 yards on 2 kickoff returns and 88 yards on a punt return he took to the house.
#MichiganState off to another fast start!
Jayden Reed returns a punt for a TD for the second week in a row and the #Spartans are up 7-0 on Western Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/uCF2uso7SE
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) October 2, 2021
“I see one guy coming, he was running a little too fast, so I just stuck my foot in the ground and got around him, and then found a lane,” Reed said of his 88-yard punt return TD, per Kyle Austin of MLive.com. “My unit made great blocks for me, so I just followed the blocks, everything else took care of itself.”
With a pair of touchdowns, Reed served as a lightning rod against WKU for the Spartans, who are now ranked No. 11 in the country. He also had a 46-yard TD reception. The Spartans appear to be a team that can pile up points from all directions.
The transfer from Western Michigan has quickly emerged as one of the most electrifying players in all of college football, averaging 176.6 all-purpose yards per game and 24.5 per touch (also best in the nation). Through 5 weekends, he’s scored 8 TDs: 5 rushing, 1 receiving and 2 on punt returns. He’s returned a punt for 6 points in consecutive weeks.
He is, without a doubt, a major problem for opposing teams.
Reed can literally do it all, he just needs the ball in his hands.
As a receiver, he averages 23.2 yards per catch. As a runner, he averages 7.6 yards per carry. While returning kicks, he averages 30.7 yards. On punts, he averages 39.6.
There aren’t many who can generate that type of production.
Racking up the real estate has become Reed’s calling card.
Having a player with such a competitive spirit stacked with loads of athleticism will only continue to pay dividends for Michigan State, which has — and somewhat surprisingly — developed into a Big Ten contender.
“He’s a very explosive player,” MSU second-year coach Mel Tucker said of Reed, per Kyle Austin of MLive.com. “He can do a lot. He plays with really good toughness, he’s hyper-competitive. Like I said, he’s a difference-maker for us, on special teams, offense. He can do it all. But he’s humble and he’s hard-working, and that’s his edge. And that’s contagious.”
There have been several players pass through East Lansing who can flip a field in an instant. Former WR Charles Rogers was one of them. Former RB/KR Mill Coleman was another. Don’t forget about former RB Javon Ringer … and many more.
Right now, Reed is in position to put himself among esteemed company. Since 2000, only 3 Spartans have ever topped 20 all-purpose touchdowns in a single season. Ringer (22 in 2008), Jeremy Langford (22 in 2014) and Jehuu Caulcrick (21 in 2007) are members of the 20-plus club. None of those guys had Reed’s multi-faceted skills. All of their TDs in those respective seasons came via the rushing game.
With 8 total TDs through 5 games, it’s possible for Reed to crack the 20-touchdown mark. If he doesn’t get there, he’ll likely be somewhere comfortably in the teens by the end of the season.
Kicking or punting to Reed is a bad idea. Defenders better be ready when he catches or runs the ball.
Is Reed the most dangerous player in college football? Through 5 weeks, that appears to be the case.