This summer, the heart of football country will beat a little louder as two hometown heroes return to give back to the community that shaped them. The much-anticipated “Gridiron Greatness Football Clinic” is set to take place later this month, and it promises to be more than just another skills camp. What makes this clinic special is the presence of two local legends—former high school stars who went on to play college football and are now carving out successful coaching careers in the NFL.
The clinic is drawing attention not just for its instructional value, but for the inspiring journey of its headliners. Marcus “Tank” Reynolds and DeShawn Mitchell, both products of the local high school football scene, have risen through the ranks to become assistant coaches in the National Football League. Their return marks a full-circle moment, one that blends professional experience with community pride.
Reynolds, a former All-State linebacker from Jefferson High, is now the assistant linebackers coach for the New Orleans Saints. Known for his tenacity and football IQ, Reynolds went on to have a decorated college career at the University of Alabama before a brief stint in the NFL. Though injuries cut short his playing days, his leadership qualities made coaching a natural fit. Over the past five years, he has earned a reputation as a rising star on the coaching circuit, noted for his ability to connect with players and develop young talent.
Mitchell, meanwhile, was a dynamic dual-threat quarterback at Eastview High, dazzling fans with his arm strength and field vision. After breaking records at Oregon State, he spent time on multiple practice squads in the NFL before transitioning into coaching. Now an assistant quarterbacks coach with the New York Jets, Mitchell brings a fresh, analytical perspective to the game, rooted in his own experiences as a student of football. His coaching style emphasizes decision-making, discipline, and confidence—traits that helped him overcome the odds during his playing days.
The Gridiron Greatness Clinic will take place at Jefferson Community Stadium, the very field where Reynolds once roamed sideline to sideline. It will be open to middle and high school athletes across the region, providing position-specific training, film breakdown sessions, and even leadership seminars. But perhaps the most impactful element will be the personal stories shared by Reynolds and Mitchell—testimonies of resilience, sacrifice, and belief in the power of dreams.
“There’s something special about coming home and investing in the next generation,” said Reynolds in a recent interview. “I remember being that kid who was dreaming big, and I want them to see that it’s possible.”
Mitchell echoed those sentiments, noting how important local mentorship was to his development. “I had coaches and older players who believed in me and pushed me to be better—not just as an athlete, but as a person,” he said. “If I can be that for just one kid out here, then it’s all worth it.”
Local high school coaches have already expressed enthusiasm for the clinic, calling it a rare opportunity for student-athletes to gain insight from professionals with firsthand knowledge of the path they hope to travel. Coach Barry Newton of Eastview High said, “This is bigger than football. These guys are role models. They’re proof that you can come from here and go as far as your work ethic will take you.”
The clinic will also feature a Q&A panel with both coaches, who will answer questions from athletes and parents alike, covering topics such as college recruiting, maintaining academics, injury prevention, and mental health—areas that are often overlooked in typical football camps.
Registration for the Gridiron Greatness Football Clinic has already seen high demand, with spots filling up quickly. In an era where young athletes often look to social media influencers or celebrity athletes for guidance, this event is a reminder that heroes can be found much closer to home.
Organizers hope the clinic becomes an annual tradition, further cementing the legacy of Reynolds and Mitchell as both athletes and mentors. Their presence is a powerful statement: greatness isn’t just about what you achieve on the field—it’s about lifting others up with you.
As the community prepares to welcome back its prodigal sons, there’s a growing sense that this event will be more than just a clinic. It will be a celebration of roots, resilience, and the enduring bond between a town a
nd its gridiron greats.
