When looking through college football, not many players have had a crazier journey than Marist’s own Reed Shumpert. The redshirt senior is midway through his first and only year with the Red Foxes at wide receiver, but it’s already the most football he’s played in a collegiate season.
Currently in his fifth college season, Shumpert is at his third school, over 2,500 miles from his past two schools and hometown. While the distance traveled may stand out, what makes Shumpert’s story unique is the grit and determination he has had to show over the past few years.
From balancing new coaching staff, teammates and playbooks, to dealing with major injuries, Shumpert has shown a resolute dedication to the sport of football. Shumpert’s playing days may be close to over, but his start dates back all the way to elementary school.
Growing up in Tacoma, Washington, Shumpert first fell in love during his days on a youth football team.
“My dad ended up coaching the youngest team, which was in fourth grade, and so in that time my parents decided to let me play up a year,” said Shumpert. “My dad and uncle played football, so that family connection is really how it started.”
Shumpert decided to attend Washington State after high school, following the footsteps of his dad and sister, both former Cougars. After redshirting his freshman year, he spent one more year in the program. During that time, Shumpert found himself surrounded by NFL talent and lived with current Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Jaden Hicks.
More notably, Shumpert caught passes from the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Cam Ward. While they rarely took the field together, Shumpert remembers the standout leadership qualities and toughness that Ward had despite them being the same age.
“While he was still young, I could tell he was going to the league. From his appearance and leadership qualities, he was one of the first real-deal players where I knew he had crazy talent,” said Shumpert.
After absorbing everything that came with a Power Five program for two years, Shumpert transferred to California Polytechnic State University. His former high school coach had taken the role of offensive coordinator, and his former high school quarterback had also transferred in. Above all else, he saw it as an opportunity to finally get on the field.
“I thought I would have a much better chance of playing with my former coach, and why would I not want to reunite with my high school quarterback?” reasoned Shumpert.
However, things at Cal Poly didn’t quite go as planned. After an injury in his first year, and the departure of both his former coach and quarterback, Shumpert saw the field in only three games as a redshirt junior in 2024. Once again, he felt the desire to enter the transfer portal.
“[Head coach Mike Willis] and Marist hit me up towards the end of the process, and I came out here for a visit. The scenery feels like home, and I saw how the coaching staff could help me outside of football in becoming a better man,” he said.
Shumpert has moved across the country to make plays on the football field. After learning from professional talent on the sidelines, Shumpert has finally started leaving his own mark so far this season at Marist.
Against Bucknell, Shumpert showed his ability, racking up eight catches for 83 yards. This game highlighted his play as more than just a deep ball receiver and his growing connection with redshirt junior quarterback Sonny Mannino.
After going through many ups and downs at his last two colleges, Shumpert has very high expectations for the Red Fox team this year. Witnessing just five wins over the last two years at Cal Poly has made Shumpert eager for the feeling of success.
“Going into the portal, one of the biggest things for me was being somewhere I thought we could win. I think we are just one or two big plays away from getting over the hump,” said Shumpert.
As one of the more experienced players on the team, and the receiver room in particular, Shumpert is taking on a bigger leadership role from years past. While his on-field performance is of the utmost importance, Shumpert is also fully committed to helping the young receiver group around him.
“My parents and friends always ask me what I want to do, but I have always given the same answer. I will decide after the season,” said Shumpert, thinking about his future. “I’ve considered doing a Pro Day if that chance arises, or maybe going overseas. I would do a season in one of those Euro leagues. I also really want to look into coaching.”
With the quality and experiences of Shumpert, the sky is the limit for his future. Whether it’s as a coach or chasing a professional opportunity, Shumpert’s college career has finally found some stability.
From the Pac-12 with Ward to the opposite side of the country, Shumpert hopes to continue his form and help this team during the rest of his time in Poughkeepsie.
Edited by Ryan Eichem and Ben Leeds
Graphic by Isabel Cortese
Photo via Quinn DiFiore
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