Notebook: Ex-Central Catholic lineman transfers; MC guard continues to impress
After getting called up to varsity for the playoffs during his freshman season and playing his entire sophomore year under the bright lights, former Central Catholic defensive lineman Julius Reynolds played four games his final two years combined. After suffering a concussion in his junior season, he decided to focus on academics.
That didn’t stop him from earning a three-star rating by 247Sports and getting recruited by Colorado, Sacramento State, San Jose State, UNLV and Fresno State.
“To be able to showcase my abilities on that level of competition at Central Catholic was good,” Reynolds said. “The program there was fast paced, so I was able to adapt to that, which helped me transition” to college.
He ultimately chose the Bulldogs, playing four games in 2021, including the New Mexico Bowl against The University of Texas at El Paso, retaining his redshirt season, entering the transfer portal with four years of eligibility remaining. Fresno State was 3-1 in games Reynolds played.
Reynolds is an explosive defensive lineman who is fast off the ball and uses his hands to fight around blockers to help control the opponent’s run game and make things uncomfortable in their passing attack. However, the Bulldogs recruited heavily on the defensive line, leaving the 6-foot-5 defensive tackle feeling he had no other option but to enter the transfer portal.
He received interest from Texas Tech, Nevada, Utah State, BYU, Jackson State and a number of other Historically Black colleges and universities. After weighing his options, Reynolds decided to sign with Jackson State, which is coached by Pro Football Hall of Famer and former MLB player Deion Sanders.
“Not only to play for Deion Sanders, but to represent my people, African Americans, and to play with my brothers was something I wanted to experience,” Reynolds said of why he chose the Tigers. “Once we’re all together, a lot of things can be done.”
Reynolds worked out with Jackson State and came back to California this past week as the team was given a week off before workouts in Mississippi start again.
“I’m humbled by the opportunity and grateful to play for Jackson State and for my people,” Reynolds said. “They’re gonna get someone who’s tenacious, is gonna get after it and is gonna get out there and ball.”
Reynolds and the Tigers kick off their season on Sept. 4 against SWAC opponent Florida A&M on ESPN 2.
MC guard recruiting stock rising: It’s hard to think that Modesto Christian guard Bj Davis could get any hotter this summer, but after his performance at the Section 7 basketball event in Phoenix, Ariz., Davis has been one of the recruits to watch during the most recent recruiting live period.
He was one of the standouts of the event and received offers from the University of Washington, Nevada, Colorado State, Bakersfield, Rio Grande Valley and Weber state all in the matter of a week. On Tuesday, Davis received an offer from San Diego State University. An All-District first team honoree, Davis should continue to see the offers roll in as the summer circuit continues into July.
Turlock native signs with Diamondbacks: Coleton Horner was born and raised in Turlock and played in the Turlock Little League. The 2015 Pitman High graduate played college baseball at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and after graduating in 2019 has played Independent League baseball in Texas, Michigan and Utah, most recently playing for the Ogden Raptors.
The Arizona Diamondbacks purchased the catcher’s contract and signed him to a minor league contract on June 6. He is currently playing on the Arizona Complex League Rookie ball team ACL D-Backs Black. In six games, he is batting .421 with one double and three RBIs in 19 at bats. He picked up his first hit in his first game against the ACL Angels on June 9.
This story was originally published June 30, 2022 at 10:11 AM.
