David Rodish
ASU Student Journalist

Mesquite's Andrew Morris transitioned from receiver to two-way playmaker

November 10, 2020 by David Rodish, Arizona State University


Photo courtesy of Andrew Morris

David Rodish is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Mesquite High School for AZPreps365.com

Andrew Morris played offense his entire football career and never thought much about defense until he was thrust into the starting lineup at linebacker his sophomore year. Now, Morris is a two-way starter for the Mesquite Wildcats.

Football has been a part of Morris’s life since he was a kid. His father lived in Waco, Texas and played high school football at North Mesquite. He brought his passion to Arizona and taught Andrew and his brothers the love for the game they all share today.

“Growing up, we played two-on-two in the backyard or on the street or wherever we could,” Morris said. “That was my life every day after school.”

It was there that Morris developed his zeal for the game that has turned him into a versatile player.

As Morris entered high school, he started off just playing receiver his freshman year. The defensive coaches had other plans.

“I know when he came here he was thinking that he was only an offensive guy and then we realized that he was kind of a monster,” defensive coordinator Cory Hare said. “We put him on the defensive side of the ball to see if he can destroy a game on both sides of the ball.”

 His sophomore year, Morris was asked to play defense and spy on Gilbert quarterback Will Plummer in the pocket. He later played cornerback before switching back to middle linebacker, all while playing wide receiver.

Now a junior, Morris is a terror on both sides.

“Most of your best middle linebackers in the state don't turn around and then catch 30 passes in five games for 600 yards,” coach Scott Hare said. “Andrew is a special player.”

Through four weeks, Morris amassed 35 tackles, five sacks and four forced fumbles to go along with 23 receptions for 390 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver. The next week, Morris caught six passes for 158 yards and four touchdowns.

On offense, Morris has been steady for quarterback Ty Thompson with eight touchdowns.

“He’s a big body, he has great hands,” Scott Hare said. “We can throw him the ball and he can be really well covered and even then it’s still really difficult for the other team to stop him.”

Morris prides himself on being a reliable target in the passing game.

“I’m a possession receiver; if we need a first down, I’ll get it,” Morris said.

While offense was his first love, defense is now his calling.

“He is like a lion going after a little gazelle, he runs down people really well,” Cory Hare said. “He has a good idea of how to flip through different gaps and things and make big plays.”

The high praise from his defensive coordinator comes not even two full years into his defensive career.

Playing both sides requires a high energy level. Morris has the required minimum and much more.

“When I get pulled, even if it’s just for one play so they can throw me a post-route the next play, I get upset,” Morris said. “I just love being on the field.”

The production on the field isn’t the end of Morris’s endowment to the team. His infectious energy affects  teammates, coaches and fans.

“He leads by example,” Scott Hare said. “He plays incredibly hard.”

“He’s always positive, the guy is smiling half the game,” Cory Hare said. “It's fun to be around because the game should be fun and he makes it fun.”

With one game left before playoffs, the team will rely on Morris to make the unbelievable plays he always makes just the way he does it: with a big smile on his face.