Grant Morgan (American football)

Last updated

Grant Morgan
Illinois Fighting Illini
Position:Graduate assistant
Personal information
Born: (1998-01-23) January 23, 1998 (age 25)
St. Louis, Missouri
Height:5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High school: Greenwood
(Greenwood, Arkansas)
College: Arkansas (2016–2021)
Undrafted: 2022
Career history
As a player:
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
As a coach:
  • Illinois (2023–present)
    Graduate assistant
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Player stats at NFL.com  ·  PFR

Grant Morgan (born January 23, 1998) is an American football coach for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Originally a preferred walk-on with the team, he was placed on full scholarship in August 2018. He has since been named to multiple All-America and All-SEC teams, and has served as a team captain for the Razorbacks in 2020 and 2021. He has twice been named a Burlsworth Trophy finalist, and signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Walk-On's Bistreaux and Bar in August 2021.

Contents

Early life

Grant Morgan, the son of Matt Morgan and Annie Shaw, was born in St. Louis, Missouri, [1] on January 23, 1998. [2] He was a three-year letterwinner at Greenwood High School, where he was rated the No. 22 prospect in Arkansas and the No. 71 inside linebacker in his class by 247Sports and given an overall three-star rating. [3] During his senior year, he was named Defensive Player of the Year by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and Player of the Year by the Southwest Times Record . [4] Greenwood made the second round of the AAA football playoffs in Morgan's junior year and won the state championship in his senior year. [2]

Morgan accepted a position as a preferred walk-on at Arkansas on January 18, 2016, one day after his unofficial visit to the campus. [4] He chose Arkansas over his other interests, Arkansas State, Auburn, Central Arkansas, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, and Tulsa, though he did not receive offers from any of these schools. [5] Morgan formally enrolled at Arkansas on May 31, 2016. [3]

College career

After redshirting during the 2016 season, Morgan saw the field for the first time in 2017. He appeared in all twelve of the Razorbacks' games, recording at least one tackle in each, and a season-high eight in the last game of the season against Missouri. [2] On August 26, 2018, Morgan was placed on full scholarship alongside two other Arkansas players. [6] In 2018 and 2019, Morgan again made appearances in every game for Arkansas, totaling 24 and 39 tackles, respectively, over the course of each season. [2] Prior to the 2020 season, Morgan was voted one of four team captains by his teammates under new head coach Sam Pittman, [7] and garnered nationwide recognition by the end of the season. He was named a second-team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation [8] and the American Football Coaches Association, [9] and earned third-team All-America honors from college football analyst Phil Steele. [10] Morgan was also named first-team all-SEC by the Associated Press [11] and SEC head coaches, the first Razorback to be named by both since Martrell Spaight in 2014. [2] On August 12, 2021, Arkansas announced that Morgan had signed a Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal with Walk-On's Bistreaux and Bar. [12] As a senior, Morgan helped Arkansas to an 8-4 regular season, and a bid to the 2022 Outback Bowl against Penn State on New Year's Day. The Razorbacks went on to win the game, 24–10, finishing the 2021 season 9–4 and ranked in the Top 25.

In 2020, Morgan was named a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy – which is given to the best national player who began their college career as a walk-on – alongside Dax Milne and eventual winner Jimmy Morrissey. Morgan was again named a finalist in 2021, alongside Carlton Martial and Stetson Bennett. The trophy ceremony was held at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art on December 6, and Morgan was announced as the winner. [13]

Professional career

Morgan signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent on May 2, 2022. [14] He was waived on August 26 and re-signed to the practice squad. [15] [16] He was released off the practice squad on September 12. [17]

Coaching career

In April 2023, Morgan joined the Illinois coaching staff as a graduate assistant. [18]

Personal life

Morgan is the second of seven siblings. He has an older brother – former Arkansas wide receiver Drew Morgan – in addition to four younger sisters and a younger brother. [2] Morgan graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, and again in 2020 with a Master of Science in operations management. [2] On January 4, 2020, Morgan married his longtime girlfriend, Sydnie, an Arkansas Tech softball player. [19] [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">University of Arkansas</span> Public university in Fayetteville, Arkansas, US

The University of Arkansas is a public land-grant research university in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System. Founded as Arkansas Industrial University in 1871, classes were first held in 1872, with its present name adopted in 1899.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bret Bielema</span> American football player and coach (born 1970)

Bret Arnold Bielema is an American football coach. He is the head football coach at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, a position he has held since the 2021 season. Bielema served as the head football coach at of the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 2006 to 2012, achieving a 68–24 record and taking them to three straight Rose Bowl Games, although they lost each time. He was the head football coach at University of Arkansas from 2013 to 2017, tallying a mark of 29–34. Bielema was an assistant coach in the National Football League (NFL) for three seasons, in 2018 and 2019 with the New England Patriots and 2020 with the New York Giants.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brandon Burlsworth</span> American football player (1976–1999)

Brandon Vaughn Burlsworth was an offensive lineman for the Arkansas Razorbacks football team from 1995 to 1998. He joined the team as a walk-on and eventually became an All-American.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Arkansas Razorbacks football</span> College football team of the University of Arkansas

The Arkansas Razorbacks football program represents the University of Arkansas in the sport of American football. The Razorbacks compete in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Western Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The program has one national championship awarded by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and Helms Athletic Foundation (HAF) in 1964 and one national championship awarded by the Rothman Foundation for the Analysis of Competitions and Tournaments in 1977. The school does not claim the 1977 title. The program began in 1894 and has compiled an all-time record of 736–531–40, among the most wins in NCAA Division I history, for a .578 winning percentage. The Razorbacks have won 13 conference championships and have had 58 players named honored as All-Americans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2007 Arkansas Razorbacks football team</span> American college football season

The 2007 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2007 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Razorbacks played six home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas and two home games at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock, Arkansas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madre Hill</span> American football player and coach (born 1976)

Madre Hill is a former American football running back, playing last for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Considered one of the greatest running backs to come out of the University of Arkansas, Hill was named 1st Team All-SEC in 1995 and was named to the Razorbacks' All-time team for the 1990s. He formerly held the all-time season rushing record for Arkansas high schools and for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Mallett</span> American football player (1988–2023)

Ryan Michael Mallett was an American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL). He played as a backup for the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens from 2011 to 2017.

The Burlsworth Trophy is an award given annually to the most outstanding FBS college football player who began his career as a walk-on. It was first awarded for the 2010 season and is a program of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. Burlsworth walked on to the Arkansas Razorbacks football program in 1994 and became an All-American. He was killed in a car accident 11 days after being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the third round of the 1999 NFL draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Smith (defensive end)</span> American football player (1992–2023)

Chris Smith was an American professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons. He played college football for the Arkansas Razorbacks. Smith was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2014 NFL Draft. He was also a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, and Houston Texans of the NFL and Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Martrell Spaight</span> American football player (born 1993)

Martrell Spaight is an American football linebacker for the Vegas Vipers of the XFL. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Arkansas. He also played for the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Kansas City Chiefs.

<i>Greater</i> (film) 2016 American biographical sports film

Greater is a 2016 American biographical sports film directed by David Hunt and starring Christopher Severio as American football player Brandon Burlsworth, a walk-on college player who became an All-American, dying in a car crash 11 days after being drafted high in the 3rd round to the National Football League. The film was released on August 26, 2016. It was the last film featuring Michael Parks to be released within his lifetime.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dan Skipper</span> American football player (born 1994)

Dan Skipper is an American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Arkansas.

Drew Morgan is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Arkansas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foyesade Oluokun</span> American football player (born 1995)

Foyesade Oluokun is an American football linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Yale, and was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He is notable for his proficient tackling ability, leading the NFL in total tackles for two straight seasons.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2021 Arkansas Razorbacks football team</span> American college football season

The 2021 Arkansas Razorbacks football team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Razorbacks played their home games at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Arkansas competed as a member of the West Division of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and were led by second-year head coach Sam Pittman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drew Sanders</span> American football player (born 2001)

Drew Sanders is an American football linebacker for the Denver Broncos of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Alabama, where he was a member of the team that won the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship, before transferring to Arkansas in 2022. Sanders was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 67th overall pick.

Bumper James Morris Pool is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at Arkansas and he is the school's leader in all-time tackles with 441.

Raheim "Rocket" Sanders is an American football running back for the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Carlton Anthony Martial is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He played college football for the Troy Trojans, where he became the NCAA’s all time leader in total tackles. He began his season as a walk-on and was selected as a freshman All-American in 2018. He was also a finalist for the Burlsworth Trophy in 2021 and 2022.

Brady Russell is an American football tight end for the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Colorado and was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent in 2023.

References

  1. ↑ Davenport, Richard (October 3, 2021). "The Recruiting Guy: Trio of Razorback linebackers leaving a mark". Arkansas Democrat-Gazette . Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Grant Morgan Biography". Arkansas Razorbacks. June 29, 2016. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  3. 1 2 "Grant Morgan, Greenwood AR, Inside Linebacker". 247Sports. Archived from the original on April 11, 2014. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  4. 1 2 "Recruiting Update: Grant Morgan, Drew's Brother, to be a Razorback". Razorbackers. January 18, 2016. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  5. ↑ "Grant Morgan Recruit Interests". 247Sports. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  6. ↑ Murphy, Tom (August 26, 2018). "Razorbacks place 3 on scholarship". Arkansas Online. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  7. ↑ Short, Shelley. "Pittman Talks Football". Southwest Arkansas Today. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  8. ↑ "2020 Walter Camp All-America Teams – Walter Camp Football Foundation". Walter Camp Football Foundation. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  9. ↑ Pavilack, Jacob. "Arkansas LB Grant Morgan selected to AFCA All-American 2nd Team". KAIT8. Archived from the original on October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  10. ↑ "Phil Steele's 2020 Postseason All American and All Conference Teams – Phil Steele". Phil Steele. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Morgan and Catalon named AP first team All-SEC". KATV. December 23, 2020. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  12. ↑ "Arkansas LB Grant Morgan signs NIL deal with Walk-On's". 247Sports . Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Arkansas Razorbacks star linebacker named a finalist for Burlsworth Trophy". KY3. November 16, 2021. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 17, 2021.
  14. ↑ "Roster Moves: Jaguars agree to terms with 15 undrafted free agents". Jaguars.com. May 2, 2022. Archived from the original on May 6, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Roster Moves: Jaguars claim K Jake Verity, and waive QB Jake Luton and LB Grant Morgan". Jaguars.com. Archived from the original on August 26, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Roster Moves: Jaguars make 11 additions to the practice squad". Jaguars.com. August 31, 2022. Archived from the original on August 31, 2022. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
  17. ↑ Dillon, John (September 12, 2022). "Jaguars add veterans Corey Peters, James Murray to practice squad". USAToday.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Grant Morgan joins Bielema coaching staff at Illinois". wholehogsports.com. Retrieved September 6, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Grant Morgan adjusting to married life". HawgSports. Archived from the original on August 1, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Being a Morgan: sitting down with Grant Morgan's wife, Sydnie". KNWA FOX24. October 25, 2020. Archived from the original on October 20, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.