Who is Manny Morgan? This is a question that should have been addressed by major media outlets after the star Naples High School RB dashed for 1,319 yards as a Junior.
Still not impressed? How about a kid with the drive to want more? Following his impressive Junior campaign, Morgan set a 2,000 yard rushing goal for his Senior season.
All talk? I think not.
Morgan made his goal a reality by joining the track team between his Junior & Senior seasons, determined to improve his quickness & overall speed. Morgan met & exceeded his Senior goal with 2,069 yards, which included three 200+ yard games & a 351 yard, 4 TD performance against N. Miami in the 2012 season opener. Morgan’s performance against Class 8A N. Miami earned him the PhotoBallGuy.com Player of Week 1 Award.
Morgan had this to say about his efforts to reach his goal during our Q&A: “What led me to get 2,000-yards rushing were track, hitting the weight room hard, studying film from past seasons, my O-Line, and the extra running I did in the summer.”
Morgan ran for 100+ yards in 10 of his last 13 games & had 3 straight seasons with more than 1,000 yards on the ground. I also want to point out that in Morgan’s other three unmentioned games he ran for at least 91+ yards, including the Class 6A State Semi-Finals against Miami Central.
Morgan highlighted some 2012 accolades during our discussion as well: “I’m the 2012 Florida Class 6A Player of the Year, 6A All-State First Team 2012 & was 6A All-State Second Team last year. I was also named the Florida Varsity Player of the Week, I’ve been the leading area rusher three years straight, & I won the 2012 Naples Daily News Broxson Award.” Morgan also was selected to the FACA All District 18 Offense Team-Large Schools, was named District 18 Player of the Year, played in the Florida North-South All Star Game, and was selected to the FBU International All-Star Game.
Unimpressed still, seriously?
Morgan’s beastly 2,069 yard Senior season cemented him in the 2nd slot on Naples High’s single-season rushing list, only trailing Naples legend Duane Coleman’s 2,814 yards in 2001. When I asked Morgan to describe his feelings on becoming the 2nd all-time single season rusher in Naples HS history Morgan replied, “I feel great about being one of the best running backs to ever come out of Naples High through my hard work & dedication.”
Morgan finished his career at Naples HS with 4,546 yards & 49 TDs, yet in-state programs have seemed to overlook his on the field success. Morgan currently holds offers from Minnesota, Hawaii, Youngstown State, Akron, Georgia Southern, Duquesne, & New Hampshire.
When I asked Morgan his thoughts on playing for USF he responded, “I would love to play for them [USF] because I always wanted to be a Bull and play close to home so my family could see me. I have a family member that attends USF and I would be honored to attend the same college.”
Morgan elaborated further on the possibility of playing for Coach Taggart, “It would feel great to play for a new coach as long as he [Coach Taggart] believes I could help contribute to his philosophy and his upstart into a winning program. I think it’s good he [Coach Taggart] wants to keep Florida kids in the state and to build a winning program.”
I’m sure at this point you’re waiting for a catch right?
The major diss on Morgan is exactly what he was determined to improve: speed. Morgan improved his 40-yard dash this year from the ESPN listed 4.81 to an elusive 4.55 [laser].
I truly believe this overlooked recruit should see offers roll in as National Signing Day Approaches & I would love to see Morgan adorning our Green & Gold for the next four to five years.
Now that you know who Manny Morgan is spread the word!
by Matthew Manuri
Publisher & Editor, SoFloBulls.com | @Mcknurkle
Manny Morgan’s Rivals.com Profile
he has to prove them all wrong. lets look at the fact that they are worried about his 5’8 -190 lb size. thats the answer. I Love Manny and his Father to death..they both have big hearts..lets go Akron!!!!
I couldn’t agree more… but that’s up to Coach T. It’s his team. BUT, Manny knows how I feel about it & I have expressed my thoughts to him. KILL it at Akron, doors will open.
Manny, is one of Gods child, When he was born he gave us the biggest blessing ever, I knew he was going to be a good boy and great on whatever he will do, hes been there done that and been thru lots of thoughts but he has his head where it should be, i remember his words to me one day, i have them in my heart. God bless you always my Grandson I am so proud of you.
I am surprised that none of the schools in state have contacted this kid and made an offer and with the stats he has put up specifically coming from South Florida that he doesn’t have more offers already. I really hope Coach T jumps in there and makes an offer.
Defintiely a huge miss by in-state programs. Hopefully Coach T reaches out soon
I am extremely proud of my Nephew Manny Morgan Cruz, he is extremely dedicated to his football and very focus on his goals and what he wants to achieve…