On paper, it appears that 2022 will be another good season for Reedley College Tiger football.
We will all find out for sure on Saturday, Sept. 2 when head coach Rob Hartenfels and his Tigers open the new season at Shasta College in Redding.
Tiger faithful received a little bit of a preview last Saturday when Monterey Peninsula College came to town for a controlled scrimmage.
It appears this year that the Tigers will be reloading on offense but the defense will be strong, despite losing five defensive backs to four-year schools.
Fans of the Tigers will have to travel a bit for the first four home games as construction continues at Reedley High School's Sal Gonzalez Field. The Tigers are scheduled to play at the nearby Orange Cove Titan Stadium. Reedley practiced on the field last season.
A turnout of about 100 student-athletes has started to thin out a bit recently.
Returning at quarterback for his sophomore season will be Dinuba High grad Joshua Magana, who has put on a little bit of size, according to the coach. Among those challenging for the position is former Central and Buchanan standout DJ Stevenson.
Two of the top running backs from 2021, Tamicus Napier (Tennessee) and T'KY Posey (Bullard, Fresno) are back. Napier led last year's team with 505 yards for the 7-4 Tigers.
Leading the wide receiver group will be Shemar Kirk (Tennessee) and Dallas Parker (Victorville). Kirk had a 90-yard touchdown reception from Magana and was also the team's top kick returner.
Top returning offensive linemen are Gracen Gates (Las Vegas) and Tempus Fugit (Boise, Idaho).
A big addition to the Tigers' offensive or defensive line is Dinuba High School graduate Jesus Lara, who was the school's athlete of the year in 2021.
Michael Jordan, a third-team preseason All-American at the defensive end, leads the defensive returnees. Noah Hunter (Lindsay) is one of the top returnees at linebacker.
The addition of former Clovis High coach Rich Hammond has probably helped the local recruiting as the Tiger roster includes student-athletes from many area schools.
Last year's 34-30 win over Fresno City and a victory over the College of the Sequoias helped too. But the 2021 season ended on a sad note with a 34-0 loss to Butte College in the Gridiron Classic Bowl.
The 2022 edition of the Tigers begins its story on Sept. 2.
By: Will Goldbeck
