Reed's patience and practice pay off

PROVO — After essentially doubling his season statistics in BYU's 62-41 victory Saturday over Air Force at Edwards Stadium, freshman receiver Michael Reed made his inaugural postgame appearance and — of all things — apologized.

Not for his game-opening and career-first touchdown. Not for his five catches for 103 yards, with a long of 50 on a broken play.

Instead, the 6-foot-2 speedster from Baytown, Texas, took accountability for "a stupid play" — a personal foul. "It cost us yardage and a touchdown since we were on our way to a score," he said.

He admitted to being overly aggressive, laying a cheap shot on a jogging defender and wiping out most of a 26-yard Fahu Tahi reception in one of the Cougars' few offensive possessions Saturday that didn't end in points.

On the sidelines, Reed got a stern earful from Cougar coaches. But it wasn't the first time Reed has drawn attention from a BYU coach, only to improve and contribute.

Named Texas' 5A receiver of the year in 2003, Reed found himself a redshirt scout-team player last fall, running routes against the BYU defensive backs under the watchful eye of secondary coach/defensive coordinator Bronco Mendenhall. The coach took the young player aside, urging him to work harder and to in turn help his defensive teammates to improve.

"When you redshirt, you either become more passionate . . . or you get discouraged," said Mendenhall, now BYU's first-year head coach.

Reed stepped up to Mendenhall's challenge last year. "I think I not only bettered myself, but I bettered the defense," he said.

Reed's work ethic in practice performance has carried over to this season as well.

"Mike has earned a role on this team," said Mendenhall.

Added QB John Beck: "He definitely deserved to have a day like he had today."

Coming into Saturday's game with seven catches for 57 yards, Reed made his presence known early against the Falcons. His first touchdown was the game's first, as Air Force jumped offsides with the Cougars 14 yards away from the end zone.

"It was a free play," said Beck, who floated a pass to the corner where only Reed could grab it. "I just threw it up, and Mike came down with it."

Reed relished the chance to go one-on-one. "Every receiver thinks 'That's my ball.' It's either you catch the ball, the defensive back doesn't catch it, or it's pass interference."

So who knew there were still 13 more touchdowns and two field goals yet to come? At least Reed set a tone for himself and the team.

And in the fourth quarter, Reed atoned for his penalty, breaking from his curl route when he saw Beck scrambling from a crumbling pocket. "I just turned on my heels and did my own 'scramble,' " said Reed, who ran down the left sideline and hauled in Beck's heave for a 50-yard gain.

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