Reed Jr. Making an Impact Through the Air, On the Ground

By Alyssa Buruato | Rattlers Media

GLENDALE, Ariz. − Corey Reed Jr. has emerged as a reliable playmaker early in the 2026 season for the Arizona Rattlers offense, doing it in the passing and running game.

Now in his third year with the organization, Reed Jr.'s development is rooted in a journey that required persistence. After beginning his collegiate career at the University of Louisville, he spent time at a junior college and returned to Louisville before finishing at Jackson State University under NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders.

"It was not easy," Reed Jr. said. "I went to junior college, went to Louisville my first year, went back to junior college in Jackson, then back to Louisville and Jackson State."

Despite the transitions, Reed Jr. remained focused on continuing his career and refining his game.

"The only reason that I still play the game is because I still can play it, and my passion is not gone for it," he said. "Plus, I like playing with the Rattlers too, so that makes it kind of easy."

That experience is translating early in the 2026 season. With increased familiarity in the system, Reed Jr. is playing faster and with more confidence.

"Just being familiar with the playbook," he said. "It's not like my first year. I'm a little more comfortable, so certain things come to me faster now, so it makes me play faster."

Through four games this season, Reed Jr. has totaled seven receptions for 100 yards with four of those catches going for touchdowns. He added a rushing touchdown in last week's win over Northern Arizona on what is currently the longest run from scrimmage, 31 yards. His ability to find the end zone has made him an early scoring threat in Arizona's offense.

While the production has been efficient, Reed Jr.'s focus remains on execution rather than individual numbers.

"I don't really look at stats," he said. "I just play the game."

In a fast-paced indoor system, Reed Jr. emphasizes preparation and attention to detail as keys to staying consistent.

"To stay consistent, you need to block the noise out and just lock in a little more," he said. "Coach calls the play, and I might say it two or three times before we even hike the ball, just to make sure I'm locked in."

His approach carries into pregame preparation, where he keeps a low profile to stay mentally focused.

"I just get quiet, listen to music, different types of music, and kind of separate myself from everybody," he said.

Reed Jr. also highlights the importance of trust within the offense, particularly with his quarterback.

"I feel like any receiver at any level, you need to have some type of relationship with your quarterback just so y'all can trust each other on the field," he said.

As the season progresses, Reed Jr.'s focus remains on team success and postseason goals.

"I'm definitely looking to get a contract somewhere else in a bigger league," he said. "But for this season, I'm just ready to get to the playoffs and get to the championship game."

Off the field, Reed Jr. values being approachable and connecting with fans.

"I would say that I'm a nice guy," he said. "You can approach me anytime, talk to me about anything. I'll probably hold a conversation with anybody."

With the Rattlers off to a strong start, Reed Jr. continues to play a key role in an offense that is building momentum early in the 2026 season.