Tampa Bay Storm Sign All-Arena Defensive Back Greg Reid

On Thursday, the Tampa Bay Storm announced the acquisition of 2015 Arena Football League Rookie of the Year and two-time All-Arena defensive back Greg Reid.

As vice president of football operations, Jeff Gooch, said:

“Greg is one of the premier defensive players in the League and will provide an immediate impact on the field. He has a nose for the ball and brings added stability to our backfield.  We cannot wait to see him out on the field, performing at the high level we know he is capable of.”

Reid (5’9″, 190 lbs., Florida State), a native of Valdosta, Georgia, now enters his rookie year with the Storm, and his third year in the league.  In 2015, he began his career with the Jacksonville Sharks, making an impact when he joined the team mid-season.

Starting in all 12 of his appearances, Reid ended the year with 70.5 total tackles (one for loss), 21 pass breakups, nine interceptions, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and a touchdown, all of which enough to garner First Team All-Arena and Rookie of the Year honors. Building on his regular season success, he anchored a secondary that propelled Jacksonville to a berth in ArenaBowl XXVIII.

Reid’s second season saw no dropoff, as he again started every game (this time 15), leading the team in several defensive categories. He finished with 101.5 total tackles (1.5 for loss), eight interceptions (leading the team in both tackles and picks), a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and two more touchdowns, earning a second All-Arena selection.

In his brief career, Reid has already tallied 172.0 tackles (2.5 for loss), 48 pass breakups, 17 interceptions, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three touchdowns on defense.

A former Florida State standout, Reid made 38 appearances as a Seminole (25 starts).  He finished his collegiate career with 120.0 total tackles (4.0 for loss), 25 pass breakups, seven interceptions and three forced fumbles. Also starring on special teams, Reid returned 63 kicks for 1,553 yards and 89 punts for 1,117 yards and three touchdowns.  Reid earned Defensive MVP honors for his performance in the 2010 Chick-fil-A Bowl.

To fulfill the roster requirement, Tampa Bay placed defensive lineman Max Nacewicz on inactive reserve.

While the Storm defense leagues the league in forced fumbles, this will help bolster a defense that sits third in total tackles (174.0) and fourth in tackles for loss (9.0) Also, Tamp Bay has only recorded four interceptions on the season, tied for third in the league with the Washington Valor, and sits in a distant last place with interception return yards (4).

Storm Acquire Two Rookies

On Tuesday, vice president of football operations Jeff Gooch the Tampa Bay Storm announced the acquisition of two rookies to the team’s roster, defensive lineman Max Nacewicz and wide receiver Reese Wiggins.

Nacewicz (6’2″, 255 lbs.) joins Tampa Bay for his rookie season in the Arena Football League. The Sandy Hook, CT, native appeared in 42 games at Springfield College. In his time with the Pride, Nacewicz earned Liberty League Defensive Player of the Year honors as a senior, racking up 104.0 tackles (16.0 for loss), 7.0 sacks, and three pass breakups.

A two-time All-American, Nacewicz holds school records in career sacks (34.0) and tackles for loss (57.0). He finished with 302.0 total tackles, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six pass breakups, an interception, and a blocked kick in his college career.

“Max is an intense player that has a high motor,” said Gooch. “After reviewing the film, we could tell he can disrupt an offense and that is what we hope to see once he hits the field.”

 

Reece Wiggins (5’11”, 185 lbs) also enters his rookie season in the AFL with the Storm.

A Durham, NC, native, Wiggins played collegiately at East Carolina, starting in 23 of 36 games as a Pirate. He finished his career with 80 catches for 1,012 yards and eight scores, earning All-Conference USA honors as a senior. Wiggins began his professional career in the NFL as an undrafted free agent. The New England Patriots signed him in 2014, and he also spent time with the Detroit Lions.

“Reese is a speedy receiver that can cause problems for defenses,” said Gooch.  “We’re looking forward to seeing him compete in training camp.”