Interview: 4-Star 2022 All-American WR Tyler Morris Prepares for Another Off the Charts Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Speed, explosiveness, agility, route running, hands – you name it and Class of 2022 receiver Tyler Morris has in his arsenal on the gridiron. The 6-0, 175-pound, talent was dynamic during his sophomore season securing 68 passes for 1,237 yards with 17 trips into the end zone. If the 18 yards per reception average was not impressive enough, Morris flipped the field on defense coming up with three picks, taking two back to the house, helping Nazareth Academy on the way to a 13-1 season against Illinois opposition.
The La Grange Park standout was well rewarded for his production on the field in the postseason earning All-Area, All-State, and MaxPreps All-American honors. The accolades continued with four-star recruiting status and 17 offers extended.
To talk about all that he does on the field and the process off it, Morris sat down for an RNG one-on-one.
Interview
Tyler, your 2019 season was a special one across the board. Due to your dynamic play-making skills, I think you got a lot of coaches and players for the opposition yelled at. What was working for you allowing for the big season?
(Laughs) “Honestly, me and (5-star 2021 QB) JJ McCarthy (Michigan commit), we have an activity period during school for about 30 minutes. We would meet up and go over the plays, coverages, and what we will do in different situations. That helped us outsmart the other team.”
One of those plays that had to get someone’s butt chewed was the sweet kick return you had for a touchdown. They tried to kick short and ended up kicking it to one of the most dangerous play-makers in the state. Walk me through what you remember of that return.
(Laughs) “Yeah, the one before that, they kicked it to me, then they started kicking away to that spot. So, I moved to that spot. They did not notice I had moved, I scored on that one and they stopped kicking it right there. On that play, I was bunched up on the sideline then broke free. I didn’t see much after I cut to the left, the kicker was all that I saw, then it was wide open.”
Going into what you were doing on the field on offense. What were some of the routes you were running last season?
“We ran posts, corners, go-routes, some outs, and a lot of the times we ran a bubble to get it in my hands on the ball to let me make a play.”
How do you feel your overall game improved as a receiver in 2019?
“Last season I was feeling more comfortable on the field. My routes, running, and catching all got better. I was stronger, I improved with everything. That was a big part of the difference for me, feeling comfortable and getting better overall.”
You also played corner last season; how did the year go for you as a corner?
“It was pretty good. I had three picks, two of them were returned for a touchdown. Last season I had a decent season at corner. I will be playing more corner this year.”
What are your strengths on the field as a corner?
“Being an athlete. I like to bail the QB; I am able to make plays that some might not be able to do. Being an overall athlete is a strength of mine as a corner.”
When the 2020 season gets going, what all will you be doing on the field?
“All the same places as last year, receiver, I might play more outside receiver but mainly I will be in the slot, corner and some safety too.”
How have you been preparing for all that you will be doing during your junior season?
“This offseason I have been working out at a gym by my house getting bigger, faster, and stronger. That is something I need to work on, being physically ready. I have also been working on my route running; that is what I want to be the best at. If you are open every play, you don’t have to make the crazy plays and you make it easier for the quarterback. I study college and NFL receivers to see how they run their routes.”
Your speed is a difference maker, have you posted a 40 time this offseason?
“No. I don’t know what my 40 time is; maybe a 4.5 in the 40.”
Let’s jump into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not dropped an offer yet?
“Purdue is the only school showing interest that has not offered. I talked to them last week.”
Where is the offer total at now?
“Seventeen.”
Which programs were the last couple to offer?
“Kansas State, West Virginia, Colorado, and Missouri.”
Morris’ Offer Sheet: Arizona State, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Northwestern, Notre Dame, Syracuse, and West Virginia
Nice. Going back to last season, did you get a chance to take any unofficial visits?
“I went to Notre Dame in December and to Michigan in January.”
The Notre Dame visit, how did that go?
“I liked it. The visit was for their bowl practice. I liked seeing what it is like being a player there.”
And the Michigan visit, how did that go?
“That was good. That was my second time up there. It was cool to talk to the coaches. I had a meeting with their receivers’ coach and Coach (Josh) Gattis (OC) too. Coach Gattis told me how I would be used and how they see me in their scheme if I went there. It was cool to see how you will be used within an offensive scheme.”
Once the campuses open back up, are there any planned trips for you?
“Yes. I will go to Missouri and Penn State, those are the only ones that I am sure of right now. I want to see who all is showing interest at that time to see who I should look at.”
Last question for you. Over the summer and/or the 2020 season, what goals have you set for yourself that you would like to accomplish?
“For the summer, I am trying to get my weight up to around 180 before the season starts. For the season, I am trying to have more yards and touchdowns, 1,400 yards and 20 TDs with around 75 to 80 catches.”
Tyler, it was great spending time with you today learning more about your craft. Wishing you success with the rest of your workouts this summer.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Morris family; Tyler Morris at Notre Dame and Michigan