4-star quarterback MJ Morris discusses Florida State

MJ Morris is a 6’2 190 pound dual-threat quarterback from Atlanta, GA.

The Class of 2022 prospect attends Pace Academy and has a 96 rating (4-star) from the 247 Sports Composite List. 247, Rivals, and ESPN list him as the 106th best player in America (4th best dual-threat QB and 14th best player in Georgia).

Recently Morris said the Florida State Seminoles led in his recruitment. Other programs thought to be in the mix are the Arkansas Razorbacks, Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, NC State Wolfpack, Nebraska Cornhuskers, and Stanford Cardinal.

Morris also holds offers from the Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, Florida Gators, Georgia Bulldogs, LSU Tigers, Miami (FL) Hurricanes, Michigan Wolverines, Oregon Ducks, Penn State Nittany Lions, Tennessee Volunteers, Texas A&M Aggies, Virginia Tech Hokies, and West Virginia Mountaineers, among others.

He received his Florida State offer in early February:

Here’s our interview with Morris from April:

What schools are currently standing out in your recruitment?

“It’s still early in the process, but Florida State, Penn State, Michigan, Alabama, Oregon, Tennessee, and Georgia.”

Do you mind adding some context as to why each school stands out?

“Florida State stands out because of my relationship with Coach Dillingham (OC). He’s consistent with staying in contact, and he offered me when he was [at] Auburn.”

“Penn State stands out because my cousins played for Coach Franklin while he was at Vanderbilt.”

“Oregon stands out because Coach Moorhead (OC) offered me when he was at Mississippi State.”

“Michigan stands out because they are consistent with their recruitment.”

“UGA stands out because Kirby Smart was very genuine with my mother and spent a lot of time with her, and it wasn’t rushed.”

“Alabama stands out because of Coach (Holmon) Wiggins (WRs) and Coach Steve Sarkisian (OC). They have been with me since my freshman year, and my age didn’t matter. They stay in regular contact.”

“Tennessee stands out because my big brother Harrison Bailey is at Tennessee. We train together, and I grew up watching his game.”

Do you mind delving deeper into your relationship with Coach Dillingham? What’s he like and could you envision yourself in a Florida State uniform playing for him?

“I met Coach Dillingham at Auburn’s 7v7, and he followed my team the entire camp. He also was coaching me up during the camp, and he knew his stuff. He’s really young and was just easy to relate to. I most definitely could see myself playing for Coach Norvell and him. They have a track record of developing QBs while at Memphis. I’ve always liked Florida State because of Jameis Winston. Coaches [used] to call me ‘Little Jameis’ during rec ball. They haven’t told me I’m their main guy, but they’ve told me my skill-set fits their offense, and what [they’re] trying to achieve in the future.”

Is there an offer you’re waiting for that would be a game-changer?

“Not really. I believe whatever God has for me is for me. My dad teaches me to honor relationships and respect people that noticed you early. If a school is really interested in me, I feel I shouldn’t have to sell myself to get an offer. I believe in my skill-set and gifting from God, and that should be enough. Therefore, I’m simply saying I don’t need a certain offer to feel validated.”

Obviously COVID-19 has messed everything up, but could you take us through your visit plans and timeline for your final decision?

“In all honesty, my plans are screwed up, but when the ban is lifted, I plan on visiting Florida State, Michigan, and Oregon (my parents want me to visit schools I haven’t been to.). I plan on making a decision after my junior year, so I can assist whatever school I choose with recruiting.”