Guyer senior running back Sebastain Williams (28) leaps over junior offensive lineman Patrick Morris (56) against Northwest, Friday, September 23, 2011, at NISD Stadium. (Mike Mezeul II/Special Contributor)
Guyer head coach John Walsh has known what college coaches are figuring out for quite some time. Since Patrick Morris was a sophomore splitting time as a starting guard, Walsh has raved about his nasty disposition and brute strength on the offensive line.
Now, as an incoming senior, Morris (6-3, 285 pounds) has exploded on the recruiting trail, possibly because of the exposure of his strength being on display when he power-cleaned 385 pounds, a number which is basically unheard of at the high school level.
“The obvious is his physical strength,” Walsh said of Morris’ best attributes, back in April when Morris committed to TCU. “His power clean is freaky. That was at the end of his workout. We think he could get 400 if he’s fresh. That’s unheard of in high school. That might be something that goes in Sports Illustrated.
“He brings that mentality to our whole team. We pride ourselves in the trenches, and he’s definitely our leader in the trenches.”
Now, other schools are starting to take notice of Morris, who chose TCU over offers from North Texas, SMU, Kansas, Northwestern, Washington State and Texas Tech.
Texas has been hot on the tail of Morris, trying to pry him away from the Horned Frogs, but he’s respectfully stuck to his commitment despite the inherent allure in kids from Texas to go play for the Longhorns. It’ll be interesting to see who else jumps in to the pool, especially if Morris has the season Guyer is expecting of him as he moves to left tackle this upcoming season.