Tiffin University has shown over the last two seasons that it has plenty of weapons to use against opponents.

Add two more weapons to the mix.

East Carolina transfer running back Darius Pinnix and Western New Mexico State transfer wide receiver Reggie Colson should provide Dragons fans with plenty of highlights during the 2021 season. 

Pinnix brings a powerful but versatile dimension to the TU ground game, as he can run and catch the ball and, at 6-1, 230 pounds, he is not afraid of contact.

"He is powerfully instinctive with natural ball skills," said TU Head Coach Cris Reisert. "He can catch, run, and block. He is a weapon in many ways. He will make us more dynamic and versatile. With his ability to catch passes as well as run, he is dangerous to defend."

Reisert first became aware of Pinnix at Western Alamance High School back in 2016. Pinnix rushed for 2,068 yards and 40 touchdowns, and caught 162 passes for 2,793 yards and 28 scores during his prep career, averaging 6.7 yards per run collectively as a sophomore, junior and senior. He is a three-time All-Mid-State 3A All-Conference and Greensboro News & Record All-Region selection who also earned all-area honors in 2015 and 2016, while adding all-state accolades following his senior campaign.

With those credentials, and having been recruited by Appalachian State, Charleston Southern, Coastal Carolina, East Tennessee State, Elon, Furman, Richmond, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Wake Forest and William & Mary, amongst others, Pinnix went to ECU, where he played 32 games over four seasons. But Pinnix wanted more and entered the transfer portal, where Reisert remembered him from years earlier.

"I had recruited him in high school," said Reisert. "I got to know him and followed his career after he chose ECU. I have long believed that he is a great player, so we are happy to get him here."

"I knew Coach Reisert from high school," said Pinnix. "I had a great visit when I came to Tiffin. I really bonded with the players. I had a great experience at East Carolina and learned a lot about hard work and leading by example. I thought I could do the same here."

Colson, meanwhile, also had a sensational 2019 season at Western New Mexico State. He earned Don Hansen NCAA Division II All-American honors after leading the Mustangs receiving efforts, amassing over 1,200 yards in his lone season. He averaged over 100 yards a game, posting four games in triple digits for 78 receptions and 13 touchdowns. He was second in the Lone Star Conference in receptions while also finishing seventh in the LSC in points with 78. Overall he was 18th in the nation in receiving yards per game in 2019. 

"Reggie is another dynamic player," said Reisert. "He has tremendous ball skills, great length as a receiver. He gets open, creates separation. Along with Anthony Lowe, he gives us two big playmakers on offense."

"I liked the coaches at Tiffin," said Colson. "They bring the best out in me, and I think I fit well in the offense. I add to their ability to make big plays."

At 6-1, 210 pounds, Colson will give opposing defensive backs fits to cover. Colson is aware of what he could potentially do for the team.

"I have high expectations," said Colson. "I want at least 1500 yards receiving with 10 touchdowns and a national championship. This offense is already strong, and I am a natural fit for this offense. With what we have on the field, there are a lot of big plays waiting to happen."