Interview: 4-Star 2021 QB Behren Morton Picks Up Ripping Texas Defenses

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

The onslaught against Texas defenses has already begun. A familiar whip of the arm slinging the pigskin picked up where it left off in Eastland on Friday with Behren Morton working his magic against 3A Texas defenses. The 6-2, 185-pound, gunslinger threw for 2,435 yards with 18 touchdowns completing 63 percent of his attempts. The growing dual-threat covered another 146 yards with four rushing scores to complete his sophomore campaign in a 9-4 season for the Mavericks. Morton wasted no time getting to work in the team’s opener against Comanche working for 304 passing yards with three touchdowns tossed.

Morton enters his junior season as one of the more highly coveted Class of 2021 quarterbacks in the nation with four-star recruiting status and 12 scholarship offers on the table. To learn more about his offseason grind, the team’s opening win, and his recruiting process, we sat down for an in-depth one-on-one conversation.

Interview

Behren, you’ve been slinging the ball around in the Mavericks offense since your freshman season. What type of offense do you guys run and how does the system fit your skills?

“We are an Air-Raid offense. We go quick and we throw the ball a lot in games. That fits my caliber of play. We will throw a lot this season based off defensive coverages, and then we will run. I am a dual-threat. I can get them with the run as well.”

When you went into the offseason, what were the key parts of your game you wanted to improve upon before the 2019 season?

“I wanted to improve on my running. I wanted to improve on getting out of the pocket when I have pressure and not throwing the ball away. Going throughout my read progressions, if the pass is not there, getting out of the pocket to make a play.”

Which areas of your game are showing the most improvements?

“My leadership on the team. Throughout all four quarters I have to show good leadership, and I am playing both sides this season.”

Where are you getting snaps on defense?

“I am playing free safety.”

How is that part of your game coming along?

“Pretty well. I am a third down guy coming in for pass coverage, or if someone needs a break.”

Watching your game tape, you have a gun for an arm, you go through your check downs, and you can sling it from different arm angles when needed. What are some of the other strengths to your play as quarterback?

“As you mentioned, my arm angles are a strength. Playing baseball helps; playing shortstop helps because you have to get the ball out at different angles. Playing five sports helps especially with competing at a high level. I hate to lose.”

Did you take your skills to any college camps this summer?

“Yes. I went to USC, Alabama, and most of the Texas camps.”

After last season and all the camps you attended, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“Oklahoma State, Alabama, Purdue, Tennessee, Kansas State, and Florida before they got their commit.”

How many offers do you hold?

“I have 12 offers.”

Which schools were the last couple to offer?

“Tulsa, Wisconsin, USC, Nevada, Kansas, SMU, Baylor, Boston College, (Texas) A&M, TCU, and Texas Tech.”

Morton’s Offers: Baylor, Boston College, Kansas, Nevada, SMU, Texas A&M, TCU, Texas Tech, Tulsa, USC, and Wisconsin

Separate from the camps, did you visit any college campuses this offseason?

“I did. I went to Alabama, Baylor, and TCU at the end of the summer for a practice.”

Are there any planned visits coming up?

“Yes, sir. Baylor, TCU, Texas Tech, and some others, maybe Oklahoma State as well. I am visiting Texas Tech today (Saturday).”

What has you excited about visiting Texas Tech today?

“I am excited to see the new offense at Tech. I am excited to see what the new coaching staff is bringing to Texas Tech. Head coach (Matt) Wells is high on leadership. I am excited to see how the Texas Tech staff leads the team during the game.”

Back to football. The Mavericks finally got to open the season taking on Comanche Friday night coming away with a 57-21 win. How did the game go for you personally?

“It started out really well. We scored on our first three drives. We let off a little after that. They run the wishbone. They scored before halftime; I think it was 35-14 at half. To start of the second half, we picked it up. We scored three times in a row.”

What kind of game did you turn in on Friday?

“I think I threw 304 yards with three touchdowns on 14 of 20 passing.”

Nice. How is the team looking overall?

“We are looking really good. We have all the skills back on outside and two starting offensive linemen. We have some really good kids coming up on the offensive line. I am really excited about the season. We have a lot of guys playing both ways this season. We have to be well-conditioned. We run a tempo offense; we have to be ready to keep the tempo up all season.”

Which games on the schedule are marquee games for the Mavericks?

“We have Childress coming up; they are a top ranked team in-state. Our district is very talented this season. Every week is a dog fight in district. We are predicted third in district. We will have a tough game each week.”

Behren, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of the games on the schedule.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Morton family; Behren Morton at Texas Tech and USC