Eubanks gives Phantoms boost at receiver

FLORENCE — Reggie Eubanks is starting to get settled.

The first-year receiver for the Florence Phantoms is getting comfortable with his new city and team and it’s starting to show on the field.

Eubanks, 5-foot-10, 190 pounds, is second on the team with 15 catches for 244 yards going into tonight’s game at South Carolina.

The 24-year-old is coming off his best game of the season last week against Fayetteville when he hauled in nine passes, including the game-winning, 40-yard touchdown with less than two minutes left in the 50-49 victory.

“He’s still new to this league and he is getting better with progress,” Florence quarterback Omar Jacobs said. “He works very hard, and I think you are seeing him improving each week.”

Florence coach Mike Watson agrees.

“We are just starting to scratch the surface with what Reggie could do,” he said. “Reggie has been a good surprise to us and has breakaway capability every time he touches the ball.”

The emergence of Eubanks takes a little bit of the attention from A.J. Bennett, the team’s top receiver and all-AIFA selection last season.

Bennett’s numbers have gone up and he is leading the team with 21 catches for 398 yards.

“A.J. is a great receiver but they said he needed some help,” Eubanks said. “I’m just glad I could come in and help the team.”

Phantoms director of player personnel Bennie King found Eubanks, who didn’t play college football and attended Grand Rapids Community College in Michigan.

Eubanks spent two seasons playing semi-pro ball in Michigan before signing with the AF2’s Chicago Slaughter last year. He left the team after his son, Reggie Jr., was born April 22.

“I just felt I had to leave and that was the best thing,” Eubanks said. “Having a son has humbled me to the fullest and toned me down.”

But Eubanks said he couldn’t pass up another opportunity to play football, even though it meant leaving his son and girlfriend, who is studying to be a doctor at the University of Michigan.

“I asked my girlfriend how she felt about and she said, ‘Go for it,’” Eubanks said. “Having her in my corner, I feel better about my decision.”

Notes:

• Former USC quarterback Blake Mitchell was the Force’s starter for two games but is no longer with the team. Andrew Webb, who played at Presbyterian, is now the starting quarterback.
• Former Clemson product Jad Dean is the Force’s kicker and has connected on seven of 10 field goal tries this year.
• The Phantoms lead the league in total defense, allowing 178 yards a game, and total offense at 265 yards a game.
• Florence’s Larry Thompson is tied with Baltimore’s Richard Johnson for the league lead in interceptions with six. He had two last week against Fayetteville.
• Tonight’s game is the first of four straight on the road for Florence. The Phantoms won’t return home until May 2 against Reading.
• Phantoms LB Leonard Moore will miss his second straight game with a groin injury.