Sports

Mustangs mourn death of former teammate, ready for new challenge

Erik Reynolds' holds up his helmet featuring No. 21, memorializing Isayah Muller.

Erik Reynolds’ holds up his helmet featuring No. 21, memorializing Isayah Muller. (Denis Gostev)

Erik Reynolds jogs over, pulls his helmet off and points to a number. The Truman junior is wearing No. 5 on his jersey, but “21” is written out in tape on the right side of his headgear.

Reynolds started the trend, and when the season begins – the first one in the PSAL City Championship division for the Mustangs – every player will have “21” written in white on their helmets opposite their own number in black.

“Out of respect,” Reynolds said, “that’s the least we could do for him.”

Isayah Muller, the New York Post All-City running back who wore the number, was stabbed and killed on his graduation day in June. Muller led Truman to the PSAL Bowl division title in November and seven months later lost his life during a physical dispute between his father Andre and two parking attendants.

The next day, more than 300 Truman students, including his football teammates, gathered near the goalposts for an impromptu vigil. A small memorial was constructed with candles, a team photo and a cross. It remains there in between the end zone and the track as the Mustangs go through preseason two-a-days.

“That was really emotional for me,” senior Shandu Rollieson said. “I couldn’t believe it for the first three days. I swear I thought he was still home. I couldn’t handle it. But now this is where I get to take all my anger out.”

It’ll be Rollieson filling his close friend’s shoes as Truman’s feature back this season. Rollieson said he feels sometimes like he should be blamed for Muller’s death, because they were always together and made sure each other stayed out of trouble. But now the only thing he can do is carry on in Muller’s footsteps.

“That means a lot to me,” Rollieson said. “I have a lot on my shoulders. He passed the torch down to me.”

Reynolds could get touches at tailback, but he’ll be one of the Mustangs’ most versatile weapons, seeing time at quarterback and wide receiver. He also was extremely close to Muller, like many of the current players.

Truman coach John Shepherd said he sees a different, more physical player in Reynolds.

“It’s like he wants to do Isayah proud,” Shepherd said. “He’s made a conscious effort. He’s become a much more physical player. And that was a direct change.”

Moving up to the City Championship level will be an uphill battle for Truman, which graduated two-way stars Xavier Hamilton and Andrew Reid. Unlike last year early, though, line play will be a strength, led by junior offensive guard/offensive tackle/defensive tackle Ibraheem Rodriguez (6-1, 255) and senior left tackle/defensive tackle St. Clair Richards (6-5, 295), whom Shepherd thinks could play Division I-A ball.

“He’s remarkably athletic for his size,” the coach said. “He’s got good feet. He’s agile. He’s strong.”

Senior linebacker/offensive guard Saquan Jones (6-3, 245) will add to Truman’s size and strength on the offensive line. He’ll be joined in the linebacking corps by Brutus Gorum and Aereon Jones. Rollieson and Reynolds will play cornerback, helping free safety Antwon Johnson in the secondary.

Despite the presence of the former two on offense, Shepherd says senior Tevin Downie could be his best skill player. He’ll see time at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end.

None of those players are going to be Muller, who ran for an incredible 295 yards and two touchdowns in the 2010 Bowl final against Beach Channel. Shepherd said he understands that and his goal is to simply make the playoffs.

He’s even afraid to say this season will be played in Muller’s honor.

“To be completely honest, it’s almost like this is a season I’d like to dedicate after I’ve seen we’ve been successful.” he said. “Isayah Muller personified winning. If I had a nickel every time we were on this field and in bad shape and Isayah put the team on his shoulders, I’d be rich.”

Muller was set to play football at Nassau Community College, but there was little doubt he would have been a fixture at the Co-op City school in the fall cheering on his friends when he could. The Mustangs say he’ll remain with them on a spiritual level.

“He’s always gonna be with us, because he’s one of the best players to ever come through Truman,” Richards said, getting choked up. “And for him to die on his graduation day is a sad thing. But he’ll always be in our hearts.”

mraimondi@nypost.com