Scott Wetherbee Vice President/Director of Athletics | Eastern Michigan Athletics Website
Scott Wetherbee Vice President/Director of Athletics | Eastern Michigan Athletics Website
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — For many players, the choice of a jersey number can be deeply personal, often linked to luck, career history, or special significance. At Eastern Michigan University (EMU), one number holds particular prestige: 'The Deuce'. This jersey cannot be simply requested; it must be earned through actions both on and off the field, reflecting the integrity, character, and selflessness that EMU's football program values.
'The Deuce' honors the memory of wide receiver Demarius Reed, who passed away on Oct. 18, 2013. With the blessing of Reed's family and former teammates, his number was reintroduced in 2017 to be worn by the team's top senior pass catcher.
In a team meeting held Thursday, Aug. 22 at the Incarnati Athletic Center at Rynearson Stadium, Head Coach Chris Creighton announced that Oran Singleton (Clewiston, Fla./Clewiston/Akron/Hutchinson CC), known as 'Man Man' to his teammates, had earned the honor of wearing No. 2. Singleton follows last year's top receiver Tanner Knue in this tradition; Knue is currently vying for a spot with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Singleton was selected to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-MAC Second Team Specialists and joined EMU from Hutchinson Community College where he led in receptions and ranked second in yards and touchdowns. He previously played one season at the University of Akron in 2021.
Demarius Reed was remembered fondly by his teammates as 'D. Reed', known for his leadership qualities and friendly nature. "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," said Creighton. "I truly believe that wearing 'The Deuce' will forever be a special honor in this program."
EMU continues to commemorate Reed’s impact on their football program with his jersey buried at midfield under the Block E logo inside Rynearson Stadium and a plaque memorializing him inside the locker room at the Incarnati Athletic Center.
Previous players who have worn 'The Deuce' include Sergio Bailey II in 2017, Blake Banham in 2018, Mathew Sexton in 2019, Thomas Odukoya and Bryson Cannon in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and Hassan Beydoun in 2022.
Singleton and EMU are set to open their 2024 season against the University of Massachusetts Minutemen on Saturday, Aug. 31 at Amherst. The game will kick off at 3:30 p.m., airing live on ESPN+ with radio coverage on WEMU (89.1 FM) and The Varsity Network app featuring Tom Helmer and Rob Rubick.