PITTSBURGH —
Johnstown High football coach Tony Penna Jr. often uses former Trojans star Antwuan Reed of Pitt as a positive role model to impressionable young players.
The Panthers’ senior cornerback provided Penna with additional material for future motivational talks via his Thursday selection to the All-Big East second team.
“I point out to our players all the time that Antwuan shows you can be successful,” said Penna, who was the Trojans’ offensive coordinator when Reed played at Johnstown. “I tell them here’s a guy who grew up like you, went to your middle school, went to your elementary school system and played in your program.
“He made a commitment to do the right things.
“He focused on his studies and doing the right things. He went to Pitt and paid the price. He’s dedicated and disciplined. If he can do it, you can do it.”
Reed was among six Panthers named All-Big East. The veteran defensive back played four years at Pitt, including the past two as a starter.
Reed was a team captain for the 6-6 Panthers, who will close their season against 7-5 Southern Methodist University in the BBVA Compass Bowl on Jan. 7.
“Antwuan Reed has been rock solid in our secondary all season long and this All-Big East accolade is tremendously deserved,” said Pitt first-year head coach Todd Graham. “Whether it’s been defending the run or the pass, Antwuan has been exceptional for us.
“He is a leader in so many respects for our team and just a really tough competitor.”
Reed started all 12 games this season and 12 regular-season contests last year. An injury prevented Reed from playing in the BBVA Compass Bowl last season when Pitt beat Kentucky 27-10. He has been on four bowl teams. Reed previously appeared in the Meineke Car Care Bowl, a 19-17 win over North Carolina in 2009, and the Sun Bowl, a 3-0 loss to Oregon State in 2008.
“Time goes fast,” Reed said reflecting on a productive college career. “It was really great. I’ll be a Pitt man forever.”
Reed rushed for 4,276 yards for the Trojans and was among the area’s top defensive backs during his high school career.
The combination of his talent and commitment to improve his academic standing through the Trojan College Access Program provided Reed an opportunity at Pitt.
“When Antwuan was here at Johnstown there were people who would say he’s never going to make it at Pitt (because of academics),” Penna said. “We all as a football staff believed differently. Anything Antwuan had to tackle he’s been able to do it. We figured it would be the same in college.
“He’s never been on academic watch or warning,” Penna added. “From where he started academically and the work he had to do through our college access program, it’s amazing. His hard work is what got him there.”
Reed had 29 tackles this season and a team-high seven pass break-ups. He recovered a pair of fumbles, returning one 20 yards against Syracuse for a late touchdown that sealed a Pitt win and made the Panthers bowl eligible. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Reed also recovered a blocked punt and returned it 10 yards for a score against Utah.
Perhaps of more significance, opposing quarterbacks typically shied away from Reed’s coverage this season. That wasn’t the case earlier in his career, as the opposition picked on Reed.
Notre Dame threw his way frequently during a nationally televised game in 2009. Then a sophomore, Reed was pressed into duty after two Pitt corners went down to injury in the game.
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