Thread: '07 PA DE Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech signee)
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Old 11-03-2006, 06:14 AM
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Link

Morgan picks Georgia Tech
By: DAVE ZEITLIN Staff writer
11/03/2006


All major high school football recruits feel pressure.

But Coatesville Area High standout Derrick Morgan likely felt more than most as practically everyone the defensive end knew -- and strangers, too -- urged him to stay close to home and sign with Penn State.

"I lost count," Morgan said. "Everyone wanted me to go there."

But after a lot of heavy thinking -- and a lot of prayer -- Morgan went with his gut, verbally committing to Georgia Tech.

Morgan -- one of the nation's most coveted high school defensive ends and the No. 1 player in Pennsylvania, according to many scouting services -- informed Yellow Jackets defensive line coach and recruiting coordinator Giff Smith of his decision Wednesday night and head coach Chan Gailey on Thursday afternoon.

"It really wasn't that tough for me," the 6-foot-4, 265-pounder said. "I'm not going to school for somebody else. It's my choice, my future -- and I made my decision."

Morgan said he was swayed to Atlanta after forming strong relationships with Smith and Georgia Tech recruits Tyler Melton and Nick Claytor.

Morgan -- a National Honor Society member who plans to pursue a degree in communications -- will graduate from Coatesville in December and enroll at Georgia Tech in January to get a jump-start on his classes and workouts.

"As a player, he's outstanding," Coatesville head coach Tom Nichols said. "The athletic ability and speed he has is exceptional. And he's an outstanding young man. He has no downside. He's mature, he's responsible -- he does everything the way he's supposed to."

The recruiting intensified for Morgan after he enjoyed a splendid junior season with the Red Raiders. Penn State was the first major program to try to lure Morgan when it offered the defensive end a scholarship in March.

"We just didn't think it would take off like it did," Morgan's mother, Pam, said. "It took off when he was a junior. Penn State offered first and, before we knew it, he had 20 scholarship offers. It was crazy."

Morgan, who also plays running back for Coatesville, eventually narrowed his choices to Georgia Tech, Ohio State, Miami, Penn State and Boston College, making official visits to all of those powerful programs this season.

The Coatesville star visited Boston College last weekend, staying with former Conestoga standout and Eagles true freshman Mark Herzlich -- a titan who staged a breakout performance last weekend in a win over Buffalo, recording 11 solo tackles and a forced fumble in his first career start.

Morgan, who is close with Herzlich, said the Eagles were No. 2 on his list behind Georgia Tech. But the senior called coaches from Ohio State, Miami, Penn State and Boston College on Tuesday night to let them know he'd be passing on their offers.

"It was hard calling all those coaches you had good relationships with," Morgan said. "I called Mark, too. He said, 'If that's the place for you, I'm happy for you.'"

Morgan visited Georgia Tech on Sept. 2 and looked on as the Yellow Jackets dropped their season opener to Notre Dame, 14-10. Georgia Tech has since caught fire, however, winning six of its last seven games, including a 30-23 victory over Miami in last weekend's homecoming contest.

Morgan said he made up his mind a few days ago but waited until Thursday to confirm his commitment with Gailey, a 32-year veteran of the sidelines and the head coach at Georgia Tech since 2002.

"He sounded very excited," Morgan said. "He said, 'Congratulations and join the family.'"

Morgan claimed the distance didn't play a major role in his decision -- "I'm at college, so I'll be away regardless," he said -- although his mother will feel a twinge of sadness when her son packs his bags for Atlanta.

"I was behind him 100 percent," she said. "Of course, I'll miss him because he's my only one. I'll have to get a hobby or something."

While the recruiting process often was tiresome, Morgan never felt burdened by the deluge of letters and phone calls. He did turn off the text messaging feature on his cell phone but, for the most part, appreciated the opportunities he knew all the attention would eventually produce.

"It's been a good process," Morgan said. "It's a blessing. Some people say it gets tiring, but it comes with the opportunity to go to college. It's a great thing."

And yet he's satisfied the process finally is over.

"It's a big relief," Morgan said. "I can join a family now. I'm so excited for the future."

To contact staff writer Dave Zeitlin, send an e-mail to dzeitlin@dailylocal.com.
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