Months have passed since Laney College's 2019 football season came to an end, as seen on Last Chance U season 5, and here's what happened to all the layers. As the case with most junior college (JUCO) athletes, the goal is to showcase talent in the hopes of finding scholarships or walk-on opportunities at Division I schools. The Netflix docuseries always ends the season by providing updates on the central players, but things change fast, especially in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. So what's the latest with the Laney Eagles featured in the most recent season?
Last Chance U first debuted back in 2016 with the goal of focusing on JUCO football programs. In most cases, the teams are the literal last chances for the young athletes to make a name for themselves in the sport. While some have goals of making it to the NFL, others just want a chance to play at a higher level. After following rural schools like East Mississippi Community College and Independent Community College, the series moved to Laney College, a small school in Oakland, for season 5.
Despite under-performing in the 2019 season, a few Laney players managed to stand out, garnering interest from other schools. Wide receiver Day'Marr Johnson transferred to Merritt College, while DB Kentrell Pierce moved on to Lincoln University, a Division II school in Pennsylvania. Runningback Keyshawn Ashford also found an opportunity at another California community college, Foothill. But what about the biggest figures put at the front and center of the season?
Dior Walker-Scott
When star wide receiver Dior Walker-Scott filled in at quarterback, he understandably worried that it would hurt his chances at a Division I scholarship. Thankfully, he found an opportunity as a preferred walk-on at the University of Hawaii. Walker-Scott is currently living (and quarantining) in Hawaii as he awaits the future of the Rainbow Warriors' season due to the coronavirus.
Rejzohn Wright
Defensive back Rejzohn Wright had big shoes to fill after his older brother Nahshon, a fellow Laney player, moved on to Oregon State. Despite an injury, Wright managed to get a few offers, but he ended up accepting the opportunity to play with his brother and cousin for the Beavers. Wright will be vying for a starting spot as a corner if the 2020 season starts in the fall.
RJ Stern
After being concerned about his playing time during Laney's 2019 season, RJ Stern managed to find an opportunity at Tusculum University, a Division II school in Greeneville, Tennessee. Since then, Stern had a change of heart and de-committed from the school. The skilled receiver is still looking to play collegiate football somewhere, but his dream is to play for the University of California.
Nu’u Taugavau
The offensive lineman won over fans as the family man of Last Chance U season 5. As a married man with two small children, Nu'u Taugavau had to consider his family when taking the next step in his collegiate football career. As of July, Taugavau and his wife decided to accept a scholarship offer at Murray State, a Division I school in Kentucky.
Coach John Beam
Legendary football coach John Beam has no plans to leave Laney College anytime soon. Though he and his crew will look to advance their record next season, the team will have to wait a bit longer. JUCO football postponed its typical fall season due to the pandemic, but the program plans to play out a season in the spring. Even if football returns, it won't be featured on the next season of the docuseries since Last Chance U is moving to basketball in 2021.