Eastern Michigan Athletics
Blake Banham Continues the Legacy of No. 2
8/30/2018 8:26:00 PM | Football
Senior Blake Banham becomes only the second Eagle to wear #2 since Demarius Reed
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The jersey a player chooses means much more than just the number across the back. Athletes develop a special bond with the number they choose to wear, it becomes part of their identity, especially in a sport like football where the players' heads are covered by their helmets. This decision is personal and special to each player. It is a choice that usually is theirs to make, excluding position restrictions and players wanting the same number.
For the Eastern Michigan University football team, the number two jersey known as 'The Deuce' must be earned in remembrance of wide receiver Demarius Reed, who passed away on Oct. 18, 2013. Put back into circulation in 2017 with the blessing of Reed's family and former teammates, his number once again graces the field at Rynearson Stadium on the back of the squad's best/senior wide receiver.
This season senior and former walk-on Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall) earned the honor to don the No. 2 jersey as part of the new tradition.
Players do not get the opportunity to choose No. 2 by picking it out in the equipment room. They earn it through their actions both on and off the field. This player will possess the integrity, character, and selflessness all of EMU's football players and representatives strive to build within themselves.
The St. Paul, Minn. native enters the season as the team's top returning punt returner from 2017-18. Banham is the first to lead the team in punt returns and punt return yardage for three consecutive years since Trumaine Riley (2003-06) and only the seventh Eagle in school history to lead the team for three-or-more years. Named team captain by his peers and the coaching staff, Banham is a leader on and off the field, working his way through the rankings to not only transition from walk-on to scholarship player, but also making the switch from running back to wide receiver.
"I love him, and I believe in him," Head Coach Chris Creighton said of Banham. "His leadership has always been fantastic: by example first, then when necessary with words. I think he's become more vocal, especially with the responsibility of being a captain. The guys respect him, staff respects him-- he can do so many things, and he does them well. He has a calming presence, and he doesn't get rattled. We're very lucky, and I'm very thankful he's on our team."
Affectionately known as 'D. Reed' by his teammates, Reed was a natural born leader that made friends easily. He excelled both athletically and academically throughout his life, and quickly became a leader both on and off the field at EMU. Known as the "lockerroom joker", Reed impacted everyone he met.
"When former teammates and Demarius' father both thought that this new tradition was a great way to honor his memory, we knew we got it right," added Creighton. "I truly believe that wearing 'The Deuce' will forever be a special honor in this program."
EMU has continued to recognize Reed's influence on the football program since his passing. His jersey is buried at midfield under the Block E logo inside Rynearson Stadium, while his locker was previously memorialized inside the lockerroom at the former Football Team Building.
Last year, current Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian-Grossmont College) wore the 'The Deuce'.
Banham will don the No. 2 jersey for the first time as Eastern football returns to Ypsilanti for its 127th season, Friday, Aug. 31, versus Monmouth. Single-game and season tickets are available for purchase at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by calling 734.487.3669 or by visiting the EMU Ticket Office daily between 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
For the Eastern Michigan University football team, the number two jersey known as 'The Deuce' must be earned in remembrance of wide receiver Demarius Reed, who passed away on Oct. 18, 2013. Put back into circulation in 2017 with the blessing of Reed's family and former teammates, his number once again graces the field at Rynearson Stadium on the back of the squad's best/senior wide receiver.
This season senior and former walk-on Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall) earned the honor to don the No. 2 jersey as part of the new tradition.
Players do not get the opportunity to choose No. 2 by picking it out in the equipment room. They earn it through their actions both on and off the field. This player will possess the integrity, character, and selflessness all of EMU's football players and representatives strive to build within themselves.
The St. Paul, Minn. native enters the season as the team's top returning punt returner from 2017-18. Banham is the first to lead the team in punt returns and punt return yardage for three consecutive years since Trumaine Riley (2003-06) and only the seventh Eagle in school history to lead the team for three-or-more years. Named team captain by his peers and the coaching staff, Banham is a leader on and off the field, working his way through the rankings to not only transition from walk-on to scholarship player, but also making the switch from running back to wide receiver.
"I love him, and I believe in him," Head Coach Chris Creighton said of Banham. "His leadership has always been fantastic: by example first, then when necessary with words. I think he's become more vocal, especially with the responsibility of being a captain. The guys respect him, staff respects him-- he can do so many things, and he does them well. He has a calming presence, and he doesn't get rattled. We're very lucky, and I'm very thankful he's on our team."
Affectionately known as 'D. Reed' by his teammates, Reed was a natural born leader that made friends easily. He excelled both athletically and academically throughout his life, and quickly became a leader both on and off the field at EMU. Known as the "lockerroom joker", Reed impacted everyone he met.
"When former teammates and Demarius' father both thought that this new tradition was a great way to honor his memory, we knew we got it right," added Creighton. "I truly believe that wearing 'The Deuce' will forever be a special honor in this program."
EMU has continued to recognize Reed's influence on the football program since his passing. His jersey is buried at midfield under the Block E logo inside Rynearson Stadium, while his locker was previously memorialized inside the lockerroom at the former Football Team Building.
Last year, current Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian-Grossmont College) wore the 'The Deuce'.
Banham will don the No. 2 jersey for the first time as Eastern football returns to Ypsilanti for its 127th season, Friday, Aug. 31, versus Monmouth. Single-game and season tickets are available for purchase at EMUEagles.com/tickets, by calling 734.487.3669 or by visiting the EMU Ticket Office daily between 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
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