Missed an Orangeman or two? Click here to catch up.
Name: Wayne Morgan
Position: Defensive Back
Year: Freshman
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 191
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
High School: Erasmus Hall Campus
2011 Stats: On defense, Wayne recorded 45 tackles, picked off a pass, had one sack, recovered two fumbles, and scored two touchdowns. He also completed 45 passes for 763 yards and four touchdowns at QB for Erasmus, and ran for 600 yards and six touchdowns. He was sort of important.
2012 Projections: If our secondary lives up to its potential, it's unclear whether or not we'll need to play Morgan this season, but he can probably produce as a nickel or dime back if need be.
How'd He Get Here?: Doug Marrone blew the New York City football conch shell, and the recruits came. Wayne is one of the gems of the class, at least from a pure offer-sheet standpoint. Morgan held offers from UConn, BC, Miami, Maryland, Penn State and Rutgers, may have had an offer from Michigan at one point, and received interest from Alabama, Wisconsin and Virginia Tech. Credit Brandon Reddish with the assist:
"He told me his point of view about the school," Morgan said. "There was nothing negative."
Scout/Rivals Said: Three stars each. ESPN and 247sports both gave Wayne four stars, and let's be honest, they're like, way cooler and stuff.
Money Quote: On choosing Syracuse...
"I've been talking to the coaches for about two and a half, three years, so I was already comfortable with the coaches. I knew most of the players already. I liked the campus, everything about it."
Links of Wonder: The New York Post on Morgan's commitment to SU after an arduous recruiting process.
What Does Marrone Anselmo Think?: John was Wayne's main recruiter. He discussed recruiting the defensive back with the New York Daily News:
"I was never sure until that paper came in today," said John Anselmo, assistant coach at Syracuse. "I think he’ll get on the field his freshman year," Anselmo added. "When you have 4.4 speed, 190 pounds and love to hit people . . . he’ll start pushing people for a job."
Interesting Nugget O'Interest: Wayne's nickname is "Lights Out". Make your witty signs appropriately.
Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya:
Wayne Morgan Jr Year Highlght 2010 (via mousiedon)
Wayne Morgan Future Phenom Performance (via URecruit)
Wayne Morgan talks after the 2012 Upstate-Downstate Football Classic (via Stephen Bailey)