Michigan QB commit Shane Morris named MVP of regional camp, tops recruits from MSU, OSU, Notre Dame
Shane Morris is a five-star prospect. He's the face of the Michigan football team's 2013 recruiting class, and ranked among the top-five high school quarterbacks in the country according to all the major services.
But he didn't play like it in March.
The Warren DeLaSalle quarterback went to Dallas for a regional football camp, with a bid to this summer's Elite 11 finals on the line. He was expected by many to earn that bid -- but instead, he struggled so badly, he wasn't even among six finalists.
On Friday, Morris avenged himself by earning MVP honors at an Elite 11 regional in Columbus, Ohio. By winning the award, he advances to the Elite 11 finals in California.
It is one of the nation's premier quarterback camps.
"I definitely came in with a chip on my shoulder," Morris told ESPN.com. "Down in Dallas, I was disappointed. I obviously felt a lot better today. I had a great time and ripped it."
Morris beat out some of the nation's top signal-callers to win MVP honors -- including prospects committed to schools such as Ohio State, Michigan State and Notre Dame.
"It means everything, it's such a huge honor and a blessing," Morris told CBSSports.com. "It's something I've dreamed of since I was little, the Elite 11 on TV. Going to California, it's huge. It's going to be an awesome experience and I'm just going to go out there and do the best I can.
"And coming down to Ohio and being 15 from the campus of Ohio State to win the Elite 11, it doesn't get much better than that."
CBSSports.com's Bryan Fischer provided this breakdown of Morris' performance:
Morris was sharp on rollouts during the early part of the camp and continued to spin the ball well as the day progressed. He completed several nice touch passes during the throwing session and even managed to catch a nice over the shoulder pass while running a route as time wound down.
A breakdown from Scout recruiting analyst Allen Trieu:
"He always wows with his arm strength and velocity, but today he was more consistent than we've seen him in the past. He was accurate throughout the day and deserved the MVP award."
Morris is ranked the No. 2 quarterback in the country by Rivals. He's No. 3 according to Scout, and the No. 4 pocket quarterback according to ESPN.
He committed to Michigan on May 10. In the past year, he's helped recruit several of his friends to the Wolverines, perhaps most notably Dymonte Thomas. The safety is ranked Ohio's No. 2 overall player.
Michigan's 2013 class now numbers 17 players, the most in the country. Still, Morris remains its biggest name.
He was scheduled to compete in Saturday's Nike Camp, also hosted in Columbus.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
ted
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.
Based on what I know, Borges will be gone by the time Morris arrives. Hopefully Shane will adopt to the something other than the pro-style or we will never see him take a snap at Michigan. I don't think that will be the case sinse I see Shane has the ability to run the read-option.
Robert Granville
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
You may not be far off from the truth. There really is no telling how long Borges stays. Another team was already after him last season. You are wrong about one thing though. Michigan will remain in the pro-style with or without Borges.
Hailmary
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
Atta boy ted, keep the humor rolling.
michboy40
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 6:37 p.m.
Ted, I love that you are grinding away on another teams board using your sparty intellect to add more fuel to the "little brother syndrome" fire. laughing out loud.
Terry Star21
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
There you go, I missed your humor - good to keep us all laughing (where's the threat ?)......
Tom
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
The Warren DeLaSalle quarterback went to Dallas for a regional football camp, with a bid to this summer's Elite 11 finals on the line. He was expected by many to earn that bid -- but instead, he struggled so badly, he wasn't even among six finalists. Spartan QB Andrew Maxwell was an Elite 11 participant.... Where's the threat?
Justin
Thu, May 10, 2012 : 12:22 p.m.
hey some more fun facts for ya umgoblue47 18 rush for 42 yds and 9/24 123 yds passing hahahahaha elite qb.......... can't even beat his in-state rival once in his career
umgoblue47
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.
hey tom. . . here's some fun fact statistic's! DENARD ROBINSON ran and passed for 502 total yards in the 2010 game against nd, RECORD!! he also had the longest TD run ever in the HISTORY of nd stadium, 87-yards. whats fun about these statistic's (besides the fact that he is an elite QB) is little brother will NEVER. . . i repeat. . . NEVER have a QB that will come close to what DENARD ROBINSON did!! the only thing elite about maxwell is he was lucky to have his name mentioned in a beatles song (maxwell's silver hammer). at least he can pretend it was about him. SHANE MORRIS is an elite QB and in a year or two you will find out!! you better look up the word THREAT in the dictionary, i don't think you know the real meaning of it. GO BLUE!!!!!!
Terry Star21
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 6:20 p.m.
I love to read the outsiders humorous opinions, too good..lol. In the recent NFL Draft, upon hearing kurt cousins name - the other QB's said, 'Where's the Threat" ! I've also heard that from uneducated, frustrated, frightened coaches....lol !
azwolverine
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.
In Ann Arbor.
RJ12688
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 3:45 p.m.
Who cares about Maxwell around here? Oh yea, nobody.
Paul R Lamse
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
Scott. It's obvious you've never been elite at anything. Or you'd know the dedication it takes to be elite. If you're an elite academic, you'll always be learning. Chess player, whatever, it's your interest and passion. Believe it! It's what you want to do. Almost always. An exception is an abusive parent, but that surely doesn't seem to be the case here. "Why isn't a 16 year old kid hanging out with his friends?" He probably is. They're probably football players, too. "Dating girls? Studying?" Too stupid: Who says he has issues with girls or academics? "Why would any parent of a 16 year old kid want this level of praise and adulation heaped on their son?" It's ok to be proud. Just keep him grounded, which it sounds like he is. "Either he'll fail...destroy him or ... arrogant..." Hmmm. No other option? How's Denard doing with all his props? "In a way I think he's being used." You're allowed your opinion.
michboy40
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
For what its worth, Todd Marinovich was a notorious pot head.
Tom
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 2:26 p.m.
Todd Marinovich?
Steve McQueen
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 12:03 a.m.
Shane appears to be one of those rare players who can up his game and take it to the highest level when the pressure is on him to get it done. That is what every team wants in its QB.
JDed
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
How did you come up with that? (Practice/Camp? We're talking about practice.)
UlyssesWrong1
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
I'm just happy to know we have a real QB coming in, since Denard obviously isn't getting that much better as a passer and Gardner is basically running out of time and might not get his shot. Being hailed as better than some MSU QB doesn't sound like the highest praise, but it's a start. Glad we got another Texas kid who's ready for big time competition like they he faced at home in Texas.
7718
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
Too bad, dr is an exciting player and we may never get a chance to see what dg could do. I will admit that RR did bring in some exciting players to watch, they've got one or two years left then the Hoke players will start getting more playing time.
UlyssesWrong1
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 9:54 p.m.
Also excited to see Russell Bellomy, we're slowly but surely getting rid of all traces of Rich Rod.
Scott Laux
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
Article number 1000 on Shane Morris. Russell Bellomy will be a better QB than Morris- if they give him a chance to start. I doubt they will. Shane is already our version of Tim Tebow. All that from a high school junior.
Robert Granville
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 2:57 p.m.
It's pretty clear that you don't follow football recruiting much and that you aren't cut out for it. Just watch the games if you can't handle the constant wave of fluff articles in the offseason.
Blue Marker
Mon, May 7, 2012 : 11:42 a.m.
@Scott, You have to compete in a minimum number of camps to be invited to the Elite 11 Finals in California, a prestigious award given to the nation's top high school QB. Parents and top athletes (those who have a legitimate chance as professionals) know life will be different for them. They don't get the same youth as others. But that's part of the sacrifice they make. If Shane was a great pianist and was playing concerts around the country I doubt you'd think much of it. As for being cocky, I've never know a great QB who isn't at least a little, it's required. Go Blue!
JDed
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
Tom- Stop trolling. People like you give Sparties a bad name
Tom
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 2:25 p.m.
Do we think that Shane will be a better QB than say...Drew Henson? Keith Nichol? Tate Forcier? Denard Robinson? Is Denard Robinson a quarterbacK? If so, his 9 for 24 vs. MSU on October 15th tells me that he's not a very good one. His 15 INTs in 2011 tell me that he's not a very good one.... Sparty's got an Elite 11 QB who's ready to start for of 2 more the next 2 seasons. Where's the threat?
DonAZ
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 2:55 a.m.
@Hebner - "From what I have seen of Shane he is not only athletic and has a cannon for an arm, he has a very high football IQ." In short ... Kellen Moore with height and a stronger arm. I'll take that combination all day, every day.
DonAZ
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 2:53 a.m.
It's not every year one of the consensus top QB candidates in the country is set to come to Michigan. So yeah ... lots of articles. As for him being used ... it certainly seems to me this drive to participate and compete in these events comes from his own heart. I doubt very much he'd say he's being used.
Scott Laux
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
It's like Mr. Morris already has a publicist. All these camps and dog and pony shows he goes too. some Adidas camp in Dallas, one in Ohio , elite 11 in California. interviews with ESPN, talking about how he's recruiting students to Michigan. Why isn't a 16 year old kid hanging out with his friends? Dating girls? Studying? Why would any parent of a 16 year old kid want this level of praise and adulation heaped on their son? Either he'll fail- which will destroy him or he'll be the most arrogant young man on the planet with a distorted sense of superiority. Either way it's a bad thing. In a way I think he's being used.
MRunner73
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 9:43 p.m.
Get ready for another 1000 articles before Shane arrives at Michigan...GO BLUE!!!
RJ12688
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 8:29 p.m.
The best QB will play. There is nothing indicating that Bellomy would be better or vice versa. Not sure how you came up with that..
Hebner
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 7:47 p.m.
I think Shane is a natural passer unlike Tebow who is known for his unorthodox delivery. Shane is a much better prospect than Tebow as a quarterback. From what I have seen of Shane he is not only athletic and has a cannon for an arm, he has a very high football IQ. Just like Denard, Shane understands the role as a distributor; however, he has a toolbox to use in case needed.
Terry Star21
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 7:02 p.m.
I would like to share all the enthusiasm as others on Shane and my hopes are high....however, Shane has a good ways to go before becoming a Michigan QB and ruling the NCAA....fortunately, Shane has all the 'rough tools' to make that happen with our coaches talent...the most impressive is 'attitude' and how he bounced back from a not so great showing earlier this year, that shows a Champion..... MgoBlueForTiM....Could Shane become the next great M QB or even the greatest - let's hope so, that's what keeps all of us Michigan Faithful going; M-ANTICIPATION !
Terry Star21
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
Az....you can't take any of the outsiders opinions seriously - they're jokesters.....uneducated, never attending college, they opted to cheer for Michigan's little brothers and sisters....frustrated, frightened and jealous they can't keep away from our football site - enjoy their humor, it's really funny..lol !
ted
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
What does that mean if that happens? He will never end up winning anything at Michigan. What did all those great QBs end up with ? Nothing.
JDed
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
Not one of those was a Heisman winner, they hold almost no national records (DR is the exception) and only one won a national championship. Other's have had great success professionally. I am not sure if I would venture to calling any of them great college qb's.
azwolverine
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
Tom, Denard Robinson is the current great UM QB. It was Chad Henne, John Navarre, Tom Brady, Brian Griese, Todd Collins, Elvis Grbac, and Jim Harbaugh before him. Those names ring any bells? If not, you haven't been paying attention to elite level college football for the past 30 years...which as a Sparty is understandable.
Tom
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 2:21 p.m.
MgoBlueForTiM....Could Shane become the next great M QB or even the greatest - let's hope so, that's what keeps all of us Michigan Faithful going; M-ANTICIPATION ! Who was the last "great" Michigan QB? LOL! Terry - Where did you go to school? Where's the threat?
RJ12688
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
Well done Shane. Good to hear he keeps on improving his already top notch talent at the high school level. As much as I'm excited to watch DR for his final year, I'm equally excited about the future which looks to be led by Morris. UM football is heading in the right direction.
michboy40
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
We need some skill and speed surrounding this kid. We are already building a stable of big uglies! Ty Isaac would be the PERFECT compliment to Shane! Come on Ty! You know you want to GO BLUE!
michboy40
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 6:24 p.m.
I agree that we have some good skill players, but if Ty Isaac commits, he will be our best weapon the second he steps on campus.
Matt Patercsak
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
Deveon Smith is perfect, and already committed. Not to mention Rawls will be a junior when Morris is a freshman. Justice hayes will be a redshirt sophomore. The weapons are not only there, but deep as well. Ty Isaac will probably commit elsewhere
Howard Elzinga
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
It has been said many times, but I will say it a gain SHANE HAS ALL THE INTANGIBLES AND WILL BE A PERFECT FIT FOR AL & BRADY'S OFFENSE. SURE THERE WILL BE BAD DAYS AND WE SHOULDN'T READ TOO MUCH INTO IT. TOM BRADY HAS THEM, PEYTON MANNING HAS THEM AND SO DOES DREW BREES. SHANE; I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO REMIND YOU IS STILL A JUNIOR IN HIGH SCHOOL ! He has the gumption and moxie to go out and compete against other juniors and seniors "ALL ACROSS" the country not only this year but last year too. His development is seen everyday and in all aspects of the game and his maturity is off the charts ! He has almost single handedly taken to the streets , airways and cyberspace to recruit exhibiting his leadership, building a monster report between he and other recruits not only from his class but with players presently on the team. Representatively a MICHIGAN MAN personified. He exudes confidence and it's evident the effect upon others around him. They gravitate to him and no matter their age ,experience or position they find him and his confidence infectious and overwhelmingly inspiring. Just to listen to him ; you know he is a winner and will succeed no matter where, when or what he does. Thank your lucky 5 stars he chose Michigan. THIS ONES A KEEPER ! GO BLUE BABY GO BLUE !--COACH --Z
Calvert T. Hoskins I
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 4:20 p.m.
All I am saying is this: I have been a Michigan Wolverine fan since 1969 and I have not been this excited about Michigan Football since Bo took over back then! They are on their way and will be so scary good the rest of the country better be ready especially Sparty, Irish Man, and Buckeye! I am just saying is all!! MGOBLUE!
azwolverine
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 3:42 p.m.
Tom...it sounds very reminiscent of what happened to Brady Hoke in his first trip to Spartan Stadium...we then recall how Bo shredded the Spartans for the next 20 years and passed the torch to his assistants who continued the shredding. It's like deja' vu with Hoke. Sit back and prepare to see your Spartans dominated, once again, for the next 40 years.
Tom
Sun, May 6, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
All that I have to say Calvert is that I was in Spartan Stadium in 1969 when MSU SPANKED BO 23-12! What a fantastic day for Michigan State football!
Terry Star21
Sat, May 5, 2012 : 6:54 p.m.
Isn't it great Calvert - what a fantastic time for Michigan Football......