Offseason Update Interview with 2021 California TE/WR Gary Morrison
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
If anyone wants to talk about adversity on the field, Gary Morrison has you covered. The Class of 2021 hybrid tight end/receiver was on the precipice of a breakout junior season with JSerra Catholic last year but a calf injury limited his production on the field. Jump to the offseason with a full load scheduled between school workouts, 7v7 tournaments with OC Elite, and running track for the Lions, the Coronavirus has limited his action and opportunities to showcase his skills. The good news, the 6-3, 219-pound, talent is more determined than ever to show college programs how he can be a difference maker on the field for years to come and nothing is getting in his way.
In an RNG catch-up interview, with an offer in-hand from San Jose State, Morrison and I sat down going over his offseason workouts and role in the Lions’ new offense.
Interview
During the 2018 season, you were that hybrid tight end who also has to act like a receiver on passing downs. How has that part of your game developed over time?
“I feel like it has developed well. Last season I was more of a receiver, not as much a tight end. Our offense has changed a bunch. We have a new offensive coordinator, actually we have two offensive coordinators, Sam Baker and Rob Johnson. I am a hybrid tight end in our offense.”
Which offense will you guys run in 2020?
“We’ve had a couple of team meetings talking about it, it is different than last year. We will be more of a West Coast based offense based. That is all I can say.”
Do you know how will you be used within the offense?
“I’ll be doing a bit of everything. I will have my hand down blocking and sometimes I will be flexed out. I will be all around.”
As a blocking tight end, what are you working on this spring?
“Technique and footwork. After my junior year at wide out, I was a little rusty with my blocking. It is improving a lot and all coming back to me.”
Are you playing any other positions during the 2020 season? Will we see you on defense?
“They will have me play some H-back in some formations, I am not sure about playing defense.”
What are you working on with your game this offseason as a receiving target?
“My footwork and route running. I am working with our offensive coordinators and my quarterback on running routes. It is really coming together.”
Which routes are you working on this spring?
“Everything. Our offense will be a lot different than last year. We have not dove fully into the playbook, but I am running digs, overs, ins, posts, curls and stuff like that.”
Are you playing 7v7 ball with a travel team this spring?
“Yes, sir. I am playing with OC Elite.”
How have the tournaments gone before everything was suspended?
“I played in one tournament, one in Fontana. I run track too. The virus stopped us from playing in more tournaments.”
How is training with OC Elite helping you push your game forward as a receiver/tight end?
“It is helping a ton. I have known Coach Kevin and Coach Austin since my freshman year. I have not been able to do all the tournaments, but I have been able to practice with them, and I practiced with them over the spring and last summer. A lot of the stuff they’ve taught me has really helped improve my game.”
With recruiting, which schools are showing recruiting interest?
“UC-Davis, Arizona, Wyoming, Utah, USC, and Boise State.”
Have you received an offer?
“In June 2019 I got one from San Jose State.”
That’s great. Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
When the campuses open back up, are you planning on visiting any schools?
“Assuming I will be able to take all of them, I was going to go up to Boise State for a visit. I was also going to Utah’s and San Jose’s Junior Day. USC sent a list of their practices for a visit as well.”
It is really early, but are there any college camps you may attend this summer?
“UCLA invited me to a camp.”
Previously you mentioned running track, which events were you running this year?
“The 100 and 200.”
Coming back from the injury, what was your best time in the 100 this spring?
“My best this year was an 11.29, but my best time last year was a 10.93. I was getting back to my full-speed before everything was shut down.”
Gary, it was great catching up with you today. Wishing you continued success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Morrison family/RNG; Gary Morrison