Thibodaux native hopes So. Mississippi path leads to NFL

For three seasons (2002-05), Ed Morgan could be found on the Thibodaux High football field, often leaving defenders in the dirt.

As a senior for the Tigers, Morgan racked up 582 yards on 33 receptions with 10 touchdowns. He also rushed for 704 yards and had 11 touchdowns.

It came as no surprise when Morgan drew interest from colleges. When the time came to make a decision, he elected to play for the University of Southern Mississippi.

Now entering his senior season for the Golden Eagles, the 21-year-old has been used primarily as a reserve receiver, catching 25 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns in his three years in Hattiesburg.

This season, the sports medicine major expects to see more playing time for the Golden Eagles as he enters the year at the top of their wide receiver depth chart.

SportsNet caught up with the Thibodaux native to talk about his expectations for the upcoming season.

SportsNet: How have your years at USM been up until now?

Ed Morgan: They’ve been great. It’s hard to believe that this is my senior year. I’m on top of the starting charts right now. I’m looking forward to being a leader. We have some great freshmen that came in. I just have to show them the ropes.

SN: What expectations do you have for yourself?

EM: I want to do as much as possible and catch as many balls as possible since it’s my senior year. I expect to do what I have to do to stay positive and to contribute to the team this year.

SN: What made you choose USM?

EM: For one, they were one of the first teams who talked to me – and it’s close to home. I have a little girl in Thibodaux, so I get to go back and forth to see her and the rest of my family. We have a great program over here, and I just felt it would be a great opportunity for me to play by coming over here. It’s paid off so far.

SN: Do you plan on catching any of your brother’s (Donnie Morgan) games at Thibodaux High this season?

EM: I want to so bad because I heard a lot of great things. He’s doing great school-wise, taking all honors classes and managing his academics while playing football. (The younger Morgan is a running back.) I want to be there for him. I call him every day and give him any advice he may need about life, football or school. We are real close. I hope I can catch a couple games.

SN: Donnie is known for his speed. Do you think you could beat him in a foot race?

EM: I don’t know. He’s pretty fast. I still think I can take him right now, but it would be real close.

SN: What improvements have you seen in your play from the time you first arrived on campus to where you are now?

EM: My knowledge of the game has improved. I learned how to read defenses. My technique has also gotten better. I learned how to work out and become bigger, faster and stronger. I worked hard and improved; basically, all aspects of my game are better.

SN: What are your plans for life after football?

EM: Of course, I would love to take it to the next level and play in the NFL. If not, I’ll finish school, get my degree and get a well-paying job so I can support my daughter and my family.

SN: What role do you hope to play on the team this season?

EM: I have to be a leader. I have to be more vocal and be the guy whom the younger guys come to. I also hope to make plays. I want to be the playmaker on this team. I think every player should want to be a playmaker. I’ll do anything to help my team and teammates.

SN: Are there any players in the NFL who you model your game after?

EM: I’ll say Indianapolis Colts receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne. They are good at what they do and make the plays when they need to.

SN: What was the biggest adjustment you experienced transitioning from high school to college?

EM: The speed and the knowledge of the game. It’s a lot more technical in the college ranks. You have to learn more to become a smarter player. The speed of the game is just outstanding. That’s the biggest thing.

SN: How hard was it for you to make that transition?

EM: It wasn’t that hard. Once I caught on to the plays, everything fell into place. I work hard every day and learn how to adjust to the situation at hand.

SN: Have you heard from any NFL teams or thought about a future in the league?

EM: I really haven’t heard anything yet, but I’m not worried about that. It’s still early. I’m just looking toward my senior season here and working toward trying to make (an NFL career) happen.

Golden Eagles reserve receiver Ed Morgan expects to see more playing time in this, his senior year at the University of Southern Mississippi. The Thibodaux native’s record at USM includes 25 catches. * Photo courtesy of USM