Over The Pylon

Each year we at OTP attempt to reach out to the incoming Cardinals to try and pull back the curtain a bit on the future of this program. Last season, we were fortunate to touch base with the likes of Connor Ryan, Zane Fakes, Kitt O’Brien, Jason Pinkston, Ethan Buckles, and Eric Williams, and this season, it begins again anew with the current group of recruits chomping at the bit to get into Cardinal and White.

Today’s guest in the OTP interview spotlight is Aaron Morris, the latest pipeline recruit from Glenville (OH) High School, and someone many are expecting to come in and contribute right away considering his position of safety, and the lack of experience for the Cards at that spot. Morris at 6’0″ and 190 lbs, not only provides coverage but also the ability to knock the stuffing out of unsuspecting pass catchers… something the Cardinals will need in spades as more and more offenses in the MAC continue to light up scoreboards.

The 2-star prospect on both Rivals and Scout will join fellow Glenville and head coach Ted Ginn Sr. products Torieal Gibson, Travis Freeman, Theon Dixon, Jason Pinkston and Xavier Hines on the BSU roster in the fall.

OverThePylon: Can you sort of recap your experience getting recruited to play Division 1 college football and which BSU coaches were your chief recruiters? What were some of the schools that showed major interest? What were the schools you considered heading to?
AaronMorris: Getting recruited to play D1 football was an amazing and crazy ride. It was frustrating at times but I got through it with a lot of help from my family and Coach Ginn. I was recruited by Coach Lynch. He started recruiting me right at the end of my junior year. I was recruited by Syracuse, Maryland, NIU, Toledo, Ohio, and Bowling Green. It came down to NIU and Ball State. And I fell in love with Ball State.

OTP: Everyone knows last season was a challenging one for the Cardinals. How does that motivate you going forward for success on the gridiron?
AM: The challenging season Ball State had last year is very motivating for me because I think I can be a great help to the program. And help lead this team back to the MAC championship. It’s just making me work even harder.

OTP: The safety corps for the Cardinals, short of Sean Baker, is a relatively inexperienced group. Do you plan on coming in and contributing right away?
AM: I do plan on contributing to the secondary right away. But I know it’s not just going to be given to me. I will have to work very hard this summer and show everybody what I can do and that I deserve that spot.

OTP: You’re the most recent addition from Glenville High for the Cardinals. What makes Glenville such a football powerhouse, and more importantly, why does BSU have such success with the talent that comes from there?
AM: Glenville is a special place. Special because it teaches us to be men first then play football. Coach Ginn is a great man who has been through some things so know he puts knowledge into our heads. He is also a great coach. A hard coach. If we didn’t practice hard we would be at practice until the street lights came on. That’s why we are a successful football team.

OTP: Ball State was competing with some very major BCS level programs for your talent and services. What made you choose the Cardinals over the likes of Maryland, Syracuse, or any of the other large programs that wanted you?
AM: I chose BSU over the others because none of the others showed me as much love as BSU did. I love all the coaches and the players. The campus was beautiful. I just felt at home.

OTP: Can you give us a well known defensive back that you would compare yourself to. Additionally, what sort of players do you admire or idolize?
AM: Well I like hard nose players so I would have to say Sean Taylor. He loved to hit people. And that’s what I do best.

OTP: This incoming class is another in a long line of solid recruiting classes for the Cards. What are your thoughts about class chemistry? Have you been able to connect with many of your fellow future Cardinals?
AM: This class is a good class. I met of couple of the guys while I was on my visit. I talk with Odis Prunty a lot. We played against each other a lot so yes, our chemistry should be good as a class.

OTP: What things are you considering majoring in at Ball State? Looking forward to the academic side of the house?
AM: I’m going to major in education. Ball State has a very good education program and they have great teachers that can help me reach that degree.

OTP: Most of our readers know quite a bit about your football prowess on the field. Any hobbies or talents off the field that would surprise some folks?
AM: I have a lot of hobbies, I like to hoop a lot during the off season. I can play Madden all day. Or sometimes I just like to relax and listen to music.

OTP: Anything to say to the Cardinals fans who will have the privilege of watching you over the next few years?
AM: To all the cardinal fans out there… Get ready to see some helmets get knocked off…GO CARDINALS!!!

A big thanks to Aaron for touching base with us, and after watching some highlight reels on this young man I truly do not envy the first receiver that reaches high for a ball in his general vicinity. I hope their internal organs were fun while they lasted.

Other 2010 Recruit Interviews: Keith Wenning

Filed under: Ball State, Recruiting |