Vallejo High Alum Rasheed Reason Returns to the Spotlight With the NFL in Sight

Photo Credit: Rasheed Reason

Rasheed Reason still remembers the moment that made Corbus Field feel electric — a play Vallejo High fans would find hard to forget.

“My favorite on-field memory playing at Corbus was scoring on a 95-yard touchdown run against Richmond,” Reason said.

That memory is part of a journey shaped by Vallejo pride, resilience, and determination, and one that has taken Reason from Vallejo High School to community college, Division I football, and now a shot at the National Football League (NFL).

“Growing up in Vallejo shaped me to be tough and overcome any adversity that comes my way. It meant a lot to represent Vallejo every Friday night knowing that the whole city would come out and support,” he said. “Knowing that I’m a staple in the City of Vallejo.”

During his time at Vallejo City Unified School District (VCUSD), Reason credits Coach “Tu” Terrence Greenwood and his counselor, Mrs. Rhea (Brooks) King, for helping him shape the mindset he needed to take the next step.

Following notching 59 tackles, 7 interceptions, and 902 rushing yards during his senior year at Vallejo High School, Reason’s path to Division I football wasn’t immediate. The defensive back spent two seasons at Diablo Valley College (DVC) in Pleasant Hill, Calif., where he said he learned that success requires more than just meeting expectations.

“Going to community college first made me realize that doing what’s required isn’t enough,” Reason said. “If you really want to change your dynamic, you have to do more and also have to be focused.”

Reason shared that DVC Head Coach Mike Darr helped him stay on track.

“He told me I had all the talent to play D1 football if I focused and cut out all distractions,” Reason said.

Reason knew he was ready to make the leap when he began dominating at the community college level. After transferring to Old Dominion University, he quickly made his presence known in the secondary. He started all 12 games at cornerback during his senior season, recording 49 tackles (37 solo), a half tackle for loss against Coastal Carolina, four pass breakups, and an interception against Appalachian State. He posted a season-high eight tackles in the finale at Arkansas State and recorded at least one tackle in every game, with multiple tackles in all 12 contests. 

In spring 2025, Reason earned his Bachelor of Science in Leadership from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, graduating before his eligibility expired. He said earning his degree was one of his proudest accomplishments.

“Graduating from college was a big goal and accomplishment for me because I wanted to be the first college graduate in my family,” he said.

Now a graduate student at East Carolina University (ECU) in Greenville, North Carolina, Reason is pursuing a graduate certificate in sport management and preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft. He said ECU felt like the right place to finish his college career.

“East Carolina made me feel at home,” he said. “I knew the coaching staff loved and genuinely cared for their players, not just on but off the field.”

As he prepares for his final collegiate season, Reason said he’s focused on showcasing his “I.Q., speed/athleticism, and physicality.” And for Vallejo High athletes still waiting for their moment, he offered simple advice: keep working.

“Don’t stop the work you are putting in,” he said. “Tune out the outside noise.”

When asked what he hopes Vallejo remembers most, Reason didn’t hesitate.

“I want to be remembered as one of the best athletes to come out of Vallejo,” he said.

And as he continues chasing his NFL dream, he’s still carrying the pride of Vallejo with him — one step, one season, and one goal at a time.