Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Morris enters his senior season as the veteran leader of a young group of running backs.
Name: George Morris
Position: Running Back
Year: Redshirt Senior
Height: 6’0″
Weight: 182
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
High School: Central Gwinnett
2015 Stats: Morris played in all 12 games during his junior season for the Syracuse Orange, finishing third on the team in rushing with 326 yards on 66 carries. He started the season behind the now-departed Devante McFarlane on the depth chart, but they both got eclipsed by then-freshman Jordan Fredericks for carries as the season progressed.
2016 Projections: Continuing to be surpassed by younger talent, Morris was listed fourth on the post-spring depth chart at running back behind sophomore Dontae Strickland, sophomore Jordan Fredericks and freshman Moe Neal. Morris is facing the prospect of decreased playing time in his final season in Orange.
How’d He Get Here: Morris chose SU over offers from a trio of Big 10 schools (Illinois, Indiana, Purdue), Utah, Vanderbilt, Memphis and a few others.
What’d Recruiting Sites Say?: He was rated three stars across the board coming out of high school.
Money Quote: Here’s what Morris had to say after the Clemson game last year when asked if it is difficult or frustrating to have to sit behind younger players and wait to make an impact:
“It was kind of difficult, but, at the same time, you’ve got to think of the bigger picture. And that’s the team, and you gotta make sacrifices. I had to make a sacrifice, and I was willing to do it.”
Links of Wonder: By all accounts, George Morris is a team-first player who takes his opportunities when they present themselves, as highlighted by this Daily Orange article on him from last year after the Clemson game. Morris seems to have the right attitude to help lead a young group of running backs during his senior season, even if it’s in a backup role.
Twitterfeed: @GMII27
Tweets of Wonder: George likes to get philosophical on his Twitter feed.
At some point you have to let go of what you thought would happen and live in what is happening.
— George Ⓜ️orris II (@GMII27) June 10, 2016
What Does the Coaching Staff Think of Him?: Being listed fourth on the depth chart, including behind an incoming freshman, certainly speaks volumes. Morris has played a significant role on special teams in the past as a kickoff returner, but Brisly Estime was the only player listed as a kick returner/punt returner on the post-spring depth chart. It will be interesting to see what kind of on-field role he plays this year.
Interesting Nugget O’Interest: Morris pulled the switcheroo on Syracuse fans a few years ago when his name seemingly changed from ‘George Morris III’ to ‘George Morris II’.
Let’s Get a Good Look Atcha: