Eastern Michigan Athletics
Mathew Sexton Continues the Legacy of No. 2
8/30/2019 7:52:00 PM | Football
Senior Mathew Sexton becomes only the third 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 Mathew Sexton (Clinton, Mich.-Clinton) has earned the honor to don the No. 2 jersey as part of the 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 possesses the integrity, character, and selflessness all of EMU's football players and representatives strive to build within themselves.
The Clinton, Mich. native enters the season with 66 career receptions for 827 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, he started 12 games at wide receiver, totalling 419 yards receiving and three scores. Sexton tallied a season-high 81-yard effort in EMU's 20-19 win at Purdue (Sept. 8) as he posted the second-longest Eagles' reception of 2018 with his 75-yard dash for a score against the Boilermakers (Sept. 8). Overall, he had four performances of 50+ yards receiving on the year, at Purdue (Sept. 8, 81 yards), at San Diego State (Sept. 22, 64 yards), versus Akron (Nov. 10, 55 yards), and at Kent State (Nov. 23, 64 yards). Additionally, he blocked his second career kick as a member of EMU's special teams in the Eagles' Raycom Media Camellia Bowl game appearance against Georgia Southern (Dec. 15).
"After teammates Tyreese Russell, Jordan Erbes, and Shane Bynum talked about who D. Reed was as a person and player, our seniors had an open discussion about who would best honor him by wearing 'The Deuce' this season," Head Coach Chris Creighton said. "After a long discussion, they decided on senior wide receiver Mat Sexton. Mat will do an awesome job on and off the field this season. He is a great choice. I am proud of the job the seniors did in making this decision with so many potential candidates. "
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 a plaque now memorializes him accomplishments inside the lockerroom at the new Student-Athlete Performance Center.
In 2017, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian-Grossmont College) wore the 'The Deuce'. Last season, former walk-on Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall) earned the honor as he led the squad with 60 catches for 758 yards and five TDs.
Sexton will don the No. 2 jersey for the first time as Eastern football opens its 128th season Saturday, Aug. 31, at Coastal Carolina University. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. with the game available on ESPN+ and WEMU (89.1 FM). 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 Mathew Sexton (Clinton, Mich.-Clinton) has earned the honor to don the No. 2 jersey as part of the 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 possesses the integrity, character, and selflessness all of EMU's football players and representatives strive to build within themselves.
The Clinton, Mich. native enters the season with 66 career receptions for 827 yards and five touchdowns. Last year, he started 12 games at wide receiver, totalling 419 yards receiving and three scores. Sexton tallied a season-high 81-yard effort in EMU's 20-19 win at Purdue (Sept. 8) as he posted the second-longest Eagles' reception of 2018 with his 75-yard dash for a score against the Boilermakers (Sept. 8). Overall, he had four performances of 50+ yards receiving on the year, at Purdue (Sept. 8, 81 yards), at San Diego State (Sept. 22, 64 yards), versus Akron (Nov. 10, 55 yards), and at Kent State (Nov. 23, 64 yards). Additionally, he blocked his second career kick as a member of EMU's special teams in the Eagles' Raycom Media Camellia Bowl game appearance against Georgia Southern (Dec. 15).
"After teammates Tyreese Russell, Jordan Erbes, and Shane Bynum talked about who D. Reed was as a person and player, our seniors had an open discussion about who would best honor him by wearing 'The Deuce' this season," Head Coach Chris Creighton said. "After a long discussion, they decided on senior wide receiver Mat Sexton. Mat will do an awesome job on and off the field this season. He is a great choice. I am proud of the job the seniors did in making this decision with so many potential candidates. "
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 a plaque now memorializes him accomplishments inside the lockerroom at the new Student-Athlete Performance Center.
In 2017, former Tampa Bay Buccaneer wide receiver Sergio Bailey II (San Diego, Calif.-Olympian-Grossmont College) wore the 'The Deuce'. Last season, former walk-on Blake Banham (St. Paul, Minn.-Cretin-Derham Hall) earned the honor as he led the squad with 60 catches for 758 yards and five TDs.
Sexton will don the No. 2 jersey for the first time as Eastern football opens its 128th season Saturday, Aug. 31, at Coastal Carolina University. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. with the game available on ESPN+ and WEMU (89.1 FM). 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.
Players Mentioned
WR
/ Football
OL
/ Football
TE
/ Football
WR
/ Football2025 Football Week 5 Hype vs. Central Michigan
Saturday, September 27
EMU Football Pregame Press Conference: Week 5 vs. Central Michigan
Monday, September 22
Louisiana: Cinematic Recap
Monday, September 22
⏳ The wait is almost over ⏳
Sunday, September 21