When Mick and I arrived at JW Sexton High School, Team USA offensive lineman Micajah Reynolds was waiting for us at the door. Fittingly he was wearing a Big Red polo, as Sexton is the home of the “Big Reds.” He greeted us with a  smile and handshake and welcomed us to his “home” the past four years. Micajah led us down the locker lined  hallway, and into head football coach Dan Boggans classroom, where he was waiting.

As Mick and I began setting up for the interview, Micajah immediately grabbed the Under Armour Team USA jersey. His smile stretched ear to ear as his  curiosity and delight for the jersey he would wearing in the Junior World Championship was undeniable. “This is nice” he said as he held up the jersey, checking out his reflection in a glass book case. There’s no doubt that if it would have fit, he would have tried it on.

Micajah’s excitement for playing for Team USA was unmistakable, and his knowledge of the JWC was impressive, as he cited the USA football website multiple times during our conversation. The entire time jersey draped over his shoulder, and helmet in hand. Micajah’s personality was very engaging.

He practically bounced off the walls as we toured the school, checking out the weight room and trophy case of JW Sexton.When asked how much time he’s spent in the weight room he replied “I should have got a bed,” demonstrating his dedication to getting better. Efforts that have paid dividends in big ways, earning his  name on to the “Old Vinegar Jug” that dates back to the mid 50’s,  given to the best lineman at Sexton. Not to mention a scholarship to Michigan State, and  the “very special ” opportunity to play for the United Sates in the Junior World Championship.

Micajah will be an excellent addition to Team USA, and it’s great to see his excitement. Not only will he contribute size and strength, but also personality and character. A must for a team that only has two weeks together before competition will officially began. I have nodoubt that Micajah was a perfect pick for this team. It will be great to see him with his own jersey soon.

Good Luck Micajah! The video of your interview is coming soon!

-Matt

Matt and I rolled into Lansing, Michigan, home of Team USA’s Micajah Reynolds, who will attend Michigan State this fall. Before he puts on the green and white for the Spartans, he will represent Team USA in the IFAF Junior World Championship in Canton, OH. At 6′5, 310-lbs, Reynolds is ranked among the nation’s top offensive guards by  Scout.com. A two-way starter for Coach Dan Boggan at Sexton High School, Reynolds anchored an offensive line that helped the Big Reds average 260 rushing yards and 27.5 points per game in 2008 .

We decided to head over to East Lansing to catch a glimpse of Spartan Stadium. We drove around campus, stopped in at the bookstore, and finally made our way to the stadium. After our earlier success of getting into Ohio Stadium, we decided to try our luck again. We were greeted by friendly staff members who were more than happy to show us around the stadium. We then made our way over to the Skandalaris Football Center, a state of the art building that features a Hall of Fame, which showcases MSU’s rich football tradition, former players, coaches and teams. Perhaps, Micajah Reynolds will join the likes of Bubba Smith, Carl Banks, and Percy Snow.

-Mick

Previously: Video from our visit to Toledo St. John’s High School and Sylvania, OH

The USA Football Road Tour will be passing through Lansing, Michigan on this date:

• Fri, May 1

Check back on this post to see where Matt and Mick will be setting up or follow the Road Tour’s Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/TeamUSAFootball.