Lions Re-Sign Local Star

By: Alex Husting
Following a string of free agent signings in the 2020 offseason, the Columbus Lions are resigning a player from the 2019 regular season. Desmond Reece, a receiver, running back and kick returner, has resigned with the Lions for the 2021 season.
Reece has had success at all three levels. He played high school football at Valley High School, only 30 miles from Columbus. In his four years at Valley High, Reece had 1,800 receiving yards, 31 total touchdowns, and even one interception on the defensive side of the ball. Reece was named a team captain and the MVP of Valley High.
Reece’s versatility earned him a spot on the team at Tuskegee University. In 3 seasons, he had 50 catches for 740 yards. 426 of those yards came in his junior season, when Reece led the team in receiving as they made a run in the NCAA Division II Playoffs.
After finishing up his career at Tuskegee, Reece eventually found a spot on the Lions’ roster. His versatility, which had been on display since his time at Valley High, was one of the things that made him stand out.
In his one season with the team, Reece had 45 yards on the ground and eight touchdowns, the most on the team, as well as 128 receiving yards on 14 catches and one touchdown. He also returned three kickoffs for 93 yards in total.
“Desmond is a special player that can do it all, he is humble and a tremendous teammate,” said Head Coach Jason Gibson. “His character is the type of players we want.”
Reece’s ability to play multiple positions is one of the reasons the Lions signed him and now as he gets more comfortable in the offense, the Lions could find more ways to utilize him next season.

ABOUT THE COLUMBUS LIONS
The Columbus Lions are members of the National Arena League (NAL). Founded in 2007, the Columbus Lions are starting their 15th season in 2021. The Lions are a 3x league champion and 13 playoff appearances in their rich history. The Lions play their home games at Hughston Field in the Columbus Civic Center. Lions Season Ticket Memberships are on sale now call (706) 322-3336 or visit columbuslions.com. Follow the Lions on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Lionsfootball/, twitter @columbuslions and instagram.com/Columbuslions.
ABOUT NATIONAL ARENA LEAGUE
The National Arena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football. The National Arena League will kick off its fifth season in 2021. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com For more information about the NAL visit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleauge, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.