ECU Lands Commitment from ODU Transfer Cornerback Rasheed Reason
( Picture from Old Dominion University Athletics )
East Carolina has addressed one of its biggest needs this spring with the addition of Old Dominion transfer cornerback Rasheed Reason. The veteran defensive back committed to the Pirates this week, giving ECU another experienced piece in a reshaped cornerback room.
Reason is no stranger to the Pirates’ staff. He spent the past two seasons at ODU under current ECU cornerbacks coach Tarron Williams, making the transition a natural fit. Before his time in the Sun Belt, Reason developed at Diablo Valley College in California, where he built a reputation as a long, physical corner with ball skills and versatility.
Filling a Void After Key Departure
The addition of Reason comes just days after ECU lost redshirt freshman cornerback Eric Fletcher to the transfer portal. Fletcher has since committed to Oklahoma State, creating a hole in the Pirates’ depth chart that Reason now helps address.
With multiple departures at corner this offseason, Reason’s commitment fills a pressing need. His FBS experience, combined with his familiarity with Williams’ system, should allow him to compete for immediate playing time.
Transfer Experience Stands Out
The 5-foot-10, 175-pound defensive back will join a cornerback room that’s heavy on incoming transfers this year. Western Carolina product Jordy Lowery, Maryland transfer Jonathan Akins, and UIndy transfer Key Crowell all participated in spring practice for the Pirates, along with talented freshman Derrion Horsley.
Reason brings not only college experience, but a comfort level with Williams that should help him hit the ground running in preseason camp.
Over the past two seasons at Old Dominion, Reason totaled 82 tackles — including 57 solo — to go along with 11 pass breakups and two interceptions. In 2023, he played a career-high 712 snaps for the Monarchs after logging 370 the year prior. His 2023 season included 46 total tackles, four PBUs, one interception, and three touchdowns allowed, per Pro Football Focus.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Reason logged most of his defensive snaps at outside cornerback, playing 945 of his 1,082 total snaps on the perimeter over the past two seasons. According to PFF, he posted a defensive grade of 53.4 in 2023 (including a 60.3 run defense grade and 52.0 in coverage), and improved to 56.5 in 2024 with a 61.5 run defense mark and a 54.5 coverage grade.
One of his top individual performances last season came against East Carolina, where he earned a 68.4 overall grade, including a 67.4 coverage score and 66.3 in run defense. Reason also stood out in matchups against Bowling Green (69.0), Texas State (67.3), Georgia Southern (66.0), and Appalachian State (65.0). He notched his lone interception of the season in the road loss to App State, breaking up a deep ball down the field.
Portal Priorities Paying Off
Known for his physical play and positional versatility, Reason brings both reliability and upside to a secondary that’s leaned heavily on youth the past two seasons. He becomes the latest addition via the portal as ECU continues to strengthen its roster with veteran talent.
With summer workouts approaching, Reason is expected to arrive on campus soon and should immediately compete for a role as the Pirates look to tighten up their secondary ahead of fall camp.