One to Watch Interview with 2020 California QB Noah Morris

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

California high school football transfer rules seemed to be just about the only thing that limited Noah Morris’ production on the field during his sophomore season. Making the move from Orange Glenn to Rancho Bernardo High School cost him the first five games of the season, but once let loose, the 6-3, 170-pounder, came out firing. The Broncos’ rising star hit 84 of 156 passes for 1,155 yards with 12 touchdowns guiding his San Diego squad to a 5-2 record while under center. Morris’ ability to hit the deep pass with touch or throw it on the line under duress helped him earn second team All-Palomar League; which says a lot for an underclassman who missed the first five games of the season.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the rising stars out of Southern California for the inside scoop on Morris’ talents in the pocket with an overview on his offseason workouts.

Interview

Noah, when did you get the nod to be the starter for the Broncos?

“When our bye week hit, that was my eligible week to start playing. A senior and I were splitting time in practice that week. That Wednesday of the bye week, my coach sat me down told me I would start against Mission Hills.”

What was that moment like for you knowing you were in charge of a Division-I California high school football team?

“It was what I had been working for and why I transferred to Rancho Bernardo. It was a dream come true, especially in just my second year of playing football in my life. I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity and do everything I could for the school, my team, and, my coaches.”

You only started playing football during your freshman year?

“Yes, sir.”

What got you into playing football then?

“My dad. He went to Orange Glenn (Cree Morris – SDSU). He was the No. 2 recruit in nation out of high school and had a cup of coffee in the NFL. He wanted me to wait until I got closer to high school before I started playing.”

Every quarterback goes through learning curves when jumping up a level, what were some of the things you learned with the experience garnered in 2017?

“The speed of the game was my biggest learning curve. During my freshman year I played JV at a Division 4 school. Then I missed the first five games of my sophomore season. The first game back was against Mission Hills. Getting that speed of the game under my belt was the biggest thing for me.”

What was the “welcome to the varsity” moment for you on the field last season?

“Against Poway, our rival; that was my fifth game last season. Before halftime we were down by the goal line. I was hit square by a guy coming off the end. That was the hardest hit I had ever taken. I had been hit hard previously, but that was the hardest. I thought to myself, so this was what it was like to be a varsity player.”

How did the play turn out?

“I got rid of the ball for a touchdown on that play.”

You got the last laugh. It looks like the offense is a multi-set front, how many different offensive sets do the Broncos run?

“We run a pro-style offense with about 50 different formations. We change it up on every play. I will do a 3-, 5-, or 7-step drop on any passing play. We run a full blown pro-style set. We mix it up.”

How did your game evolve as the season went along within the offense?

“My game got better as time went on. As the season went on, I was getting more comfortable with my receivers and my offensive line was getting comfortable with me. I only got sacked twice last year; my line did a great job. In addition to gelling with my receivers, I also connected with my coordinator. My ability to read defenses got a lot better. My OC went over schemes with me; we went more in depth on what to do on different plays – if the safety rolled go backside post, if the corner squatted – I knew what to do. My football IQ grew a lot last season.”

What are you working on this offseason?

“My footwork under center. My freshman year I was in a spread but last year I was under center. I’ve been working on my play-action. That is the most important part for a quarterback, your footwork. I’ve also been focused on putting on weight.”

Did you play any 7v7 ball this spring?

“I played in a couple of tournaments with Fast Camp Athletics.”

How did that help improve your game?

“It was a good experience for me. We were in the gun all the time. The experience helped me reading defenses better.”

It is early in your process, but are you receiving any recruiting interest?

“Yes, sir. I have received invites to camps at Washington, Colorado, Oregon State, and San Diego State – SDSU came to watch me in practice. I also received a card from Illinois’ recruiting coordinator today.”

Do you have any planned visits for this summer?

“I might be going to Arizona and Arizona State sometime this summer.”

Are you planning on competing at any college camps?

“I will most likely will go to a Colorado camp. My head coach (Tristan McCoy) was telling me about one in Portland – all the west coach colleges will be there.”

Back to football, how did you prepare for each game last season?

“After a game on Friday, I wanted film right away to watch on Saturday and Sunday. I watched about two hours of film each day. During the week, I was the first one to practice working on my drops – working with my center taking snaps. After practice, I would throw with my receivers.”

What changes, if any, do you plan to make to your weekly preparation routine?

“I want to watch film with my dad more than on my own. I’m going to have him help me go over it.”

When do the Broncos start spring ball?

“We start on May 21.”

How is the team looking so far this spring weight room and 7v7?

“We haven’t started 7v7, but we are returning our entire team minus two guys. We have the best O-line in San Diego. Our back was a sophomore – our upside will be amazing. We have a lot of seniors this year. Everyone is showing a lot of growth in the weight room. We are going to early morning sessions in the weight room and some guys are also working out again after school. I’m throwing a lot with my receivers. We should be very good next year.”

Do you have a personal goal you wish to accomplish during spring practices?

“Before season starts, I want to be 175 pounds. On the field this spring, I want to win the SDSU 7v7 tournament.”

Noah, thanks for your time today and good luck with spring practices.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Morris family; No. 7 Noah Morris in action