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A Closer Look: Atascocita's Alex Morris

Eric Nahlinby:Eric Nahlin•04/27/17
Alex Morris
Alex Morris. (courtesy of Humble ISD)
Alex Morris. (courtesy of Humble ISD)

Alex Morris. (courtesy of Humble ISD)

One of the surprising developments in Texas high school football last year was the improbable playoff run made by the Atascocita Eagles out of Humble.

Other than a 10-point loss to traditional power, North Shore, Atascocita made it through an otherwise easy district schedule unscathed. The playoffs loomed with dates against Deer Park first, then Pearland. Atascocita dispatched those two by a combined 60 points. Nice season Atascocita, but up next was the talent laden Lamar Texans.

Like many I was shocked to learn the Eagles knocked off the Houston power, even if by a single point. That single point is where the door opens to discuss our protagonist, Alex Morris.

“That was probably my best game to date,” said Morris. He continued, “I had a pick, a forced fumble, and a picked up fumble.”

Morris is modestly under-selling that interception. It came in the waning moments and sealed the upset for Atascocita.

Morris and his teammates would go on to avenge the North Shore loss (in overtime) before being blown out by eventual state champion Lake Travis in the state semifinals.

With the season behind him, Morris is working on his game with the help of an improbable source; Lamar defensive back coach, Theadis Reagins.

“I work with Coach Reagins maybe twice a month. He’ll break down my film and camp footage and help me refine my craft,” said the 6-foot-2, 193-pounder.

Reagins is well known in recruiting circles because he’s the current ‘it’ coach when it comes to defensive backs. Said Reagins, “I love his size and athletic ability. Natural athlete. If he was at our place he’d be a high profile kid.”

But, that loss, “oh man, it took me a long time to get over that and I still think about it all the time, but if I can help a kid I will,” said Reagins.

Watching Morris on tape it’s easy to see why Reagins is high on him. His size is evident, and as a wide receiver you get a good sense of his coordination and change of direction. He also sees the field well and has great awareness.

Alex Morris. (courtesy of Houston Chronicle)

Alex Morris. (courtesy of Houston Chronicle)

That size will easily get to 210 pounds, but as Morris said, “I know I could get to linebacker size if I wanted to but I want to stay light and fast.” This tells me he’s receiving good instruction. All too often high school players focus on getting bigger when the goal should be to get quicker and more flexible.

In-state schools have been slow to pursue Morris, but he did attend Texas A&M’s Friday Nigh Lights event. Morris had this to say, “A&M’s offensive coordinator, Noel Mazzone, remembered me from when he recruited my brother, Aaron Sharp.” If that name is familiar to you, Sharp was a track star and quarterback at Summer Creek high school who signed with UCLA before transferring out.

So far Morris holds offers from Indiana and Louisville, and he intends to visit both this summer. Along with those two offers, he’s also hearing from U of H, Tulsa, Memphis, and Arkansas State, “but I’ll have a lot of schools come through this spring to check me out.”

Morris and fellow 2018 defensive back, Travian Blaylock, could benefit from the number of coaches who will come through to see 2019 5-star offensive lineman, Kenyon Green.

For now, the future p5 defensive back will continue to work hard, focus on improving his technique, and helping the Eagles duplicate last year’s success.

Any coaches wishing to follow Morris on Twitter can do so at @ElHinllo_.

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