Strong-armed 2026 Florida QB Joel Morris up to three offers

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Evaluating high school quarterbacks projecting them to the next level goes beyond statistical measurements. Take 2026 Florida quarterback Joel Morris as an example. Morris (6-3, 190) has the prototypical size and frame as a next level difference maker and an elite arm to make it happen. Those digging in on what Morris can do have offered three scholarships already.

Suiting up with Lake Gibson High School during the 2023 schedule, the Braves had a tough run posting a 5-5 record.

The three-star prospect spoke about learning lessons taken from his sophomore run, “You have to keep fighting through every game and through the adversity that you face. I went through three OCs last season; I was adapting to their plays and play style.”

Asked how have you changed your approach to learning and development after your breakthrough sophomore year, Morris replied, “I learned to keep things slower and to focus on the fine details. I am tuning up the things I can fix to be as close to perfect as possible.”

With the Braves, Morris was executing an Air Raid attack. This fall with Riverview’s Sumner High School, Morris will be doing that and a lot more.

“They said we will run everything; Air Raid, I-formation, power – everything,” Morris stated.

Getting extra instruction from QB trainer BJ Hall, Morris talked about what he is trying to perfect with his craft, “I am working on a smoother rotation, being as clean as possible, and not taking a long stride. I am working to be smooth and clean with my mechanics.”

Ole Miss, UAB, and Florida Atlantic have extended scholarship offers. Morris detailed the conversation on the first opportunity that came his way from the Rebels.

“My first offer, that came around March or February from Ole Miss,” Morris shared. “I had a phone call with a recruiting coordinator; they said they liked my film and what I am doing, and that I am very talented for my freshman class. They also said I could be one of the top QBs in my class.”

Other teams are finding out about Morris.

“FIU, Florida State, UCF, USF, Kansas, Charlotte, Appalachian State, Georgia Tech, Florida, and Kentucky are showing interest,” Morris said. “There are more.”

Last fall, Florida, UCF, and USF hosted Morris for games. More trips are in the works.

“I am going to Florida State, UCF, USF, FIU, and possibly Tulane,” Morris stated.

When Morris gets to the Seminoles’ campus, he will be all smiles.

“Growing up, I have loved Florida State,” Morris said. “Florida State is like a dream school. Seeing what coach (Mike) Norvell has done with the program; I love the work ethic. I really like Florida State.”

The Knights history of success is a draw to Orlando.

“UCF is close to home,” Morris added. “Watching them growing up, from the American Athletic Conference to the Big 12, they have shown they can win no matter what conference they are in.”

To help showcase his progression on the field, Morris spun it against top Florida competition at the Under Armour camp in Orlando this month.

“It went pretty well,” Morris stated. “I was one of the QBs to come early throwing to the running backs; I showed great touch on the ball. With the QB drills, I did well.”

The 2026 gunslinger plans to make the rounds this summer at college camps. Before he goes to various schools to show off the arm, USF and Appalachian State are planning to take in a Stingrays’ practice to see Morris in action this spring.

BEYOND THE INTERVIEW

Watching game film on Morris, the ball pops out of his hand smoking down the line on a string. One cannot blame his receivers for catching some of his passes with their body.

Through all 10 of the Braves’ games in 2023, Morris threw for 1,214 yards with 10 touchdowns and rushed two more scores into the end zone.

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