Get To Know Your Orange Man - #2 Wayne Morgan

Name: Wayne Morgan

Position: Defensive Back

Year: Sophomore

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 197

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

High School: Erasmus Hall Campus

2012 Stats: As one of the four true freshmen who played last year, he had 14 tackles, seven of which were solos. Three of those were in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl, alone.

2013 Projections: He moved from cornerback to free safety in the spring, so he and Darius Kelly are battling for the second-team spot. Morgan seems to have the second-team punt returner position locked up, though, and he's expected to play a significant role behind Ritchy Desir.

How'd He Get Here?: Morgan had quite a number of offers, including UConn, BC, Miami, Maryland, Penn State and Rutgers. There was also interest from Alabama, Wisconsin, and VaTech, but 'Cuse won out.

What'd Scout/Rivals Say?: Three stars a piece, though ESPN and 247 gave him four.

Money Quote: The advice he received from Shamarko Thomas:

"The one thing he always told me was work harder than anybody else," Morgan said. "There's a bunch of football players trying to do the same thing. He's the hardest worker I've ever seen in my life. That's a true statement."

Links of Wonder: Check out this piece on the battle for the free safety spot.

What Does Shafer Think: He compared him to a former star player, so there's that.

"He's a good defensive back," Shafer said of the switch. "Really good defensive backs can play anywhere. It's like Shamarko. He played corner, nickel and both safeties during his time here. We see (Morgan) as a Shamarko Thomas-type player. He has good skill sets, he can run, likes to be physical. All those (defensive backs) need to play all those positions in order to be good."

Interesting Nugget O'Interest: He and Brandon Reddish have been friends forever, and Reddish even helped convince Morgan that Syracuse was the place to be.

Let Us Get a Good Look Atchya:

(Via URecruit)