Tag: Semaj Morgan

Turning point: When did Michigan pull away from Purdue?

The moment the game changed. #GoBlue

Though the final score may have been 41-13, Purdue stuck around Saturday’s game longer than expected. It never challenged for a lead, per se, but a couple of fumbles deep in Michigan territory set it up to stay in the game until the third quarter.

That’s when Semaj Morgan struck.

The true freshman has been teasing at a breakout game all season, but on Saturday he made it clear he was on the scene to stay. He totaled 71 yards on three touches and produced a long touchdown that serves as this week’s turning point.

With 3:20 remaining in the third quarter, Michigan was ahead 20-6. The Wolverines were driving and had the ball at the Purdue 44 after a Roman Wilson third down conversion.

Michigan trotted out a heavy formation. Six offensive linemen, Bredeson at tight end, Corum in the backfield, plus CoJo and Morgan split to either side. It was clear to the defense that this was a run all the way, and Purdue stacked the box with eight defenders ready to get violent up front.

But Sherrone Moore has something slightly different in mind. Instead of running into the teeth of the Boilermaker defense, he called a changeup. Moore sent true freshman Semaj Morgan in motion across the formation before the snap and handed him the ball on a jet sweep. The Purdue defense was caught flat-footed. The linebacker in the charge of setting the edge crashed down instantly, hoping to stuff Corum three yards in the backfield. He only realized Morgan had the ball about three yards too late. Duped.

From there, it was all lightning. The flashy freshman turned upfield once he hit the numbers and accelerated, leaving two defensive backs doing nothing more than cardio. Morgan’s white towel flapping in the wind served as a fitting metaphor for Purdue’s emotional surrender following the touchdown.

Morgan didn’t go untouched, however. Purdue’s deep safety, standing 15-20 yards off the ball, was able to shove Morgan in the back as he crossed the plane. Morgan was so quick that even a player with a 20-yard head start was reading the name “Morgan” as he crossed the goal line for six.

Look for Morgan to get more touches as the season goes on. He has looked the part of a legitimate college receiver thus far and may have a role carved out next week against Penn State.

How the offseason prepared Michigan WR Semaj Morgan for an early role

Can’t wait to see more of how #Michigan uses him! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — All offseason, we heard about how the two freshman wide receivers who arrived early had an inside track to see the field early.

Sometimes that’s just bluster, but on Saturday, when first-year wideout Semaj Morgan hauled in a long pass while tangling with a Rutgers cornerback one-on-one, it became evident that the stories of the freshmen were true.

Despite only having played in four games in his college career, Morgan appears to be a bit more seasoned than the average first-year player. While he says he’s still working on ‘the little details’ and insists that he has a lot more to his game to unveil, Morgan says that his dedication to his craft and the playbook, along with divine favor has helped him see the field early and often.

“I feel like my work ethic is second to none,” Morgan said. “And God graced me with some talent I definitely can put to use. I just feel like hard work — cream always gonna rise to the top. And I feel like with me just working how I work, I feel like God’s favor. I got ‘favor’ tatted on my neck! I feel like I got favor from God. So if I’m working hard, do what I’m supposed to do, it’s all gonna play out. That’s how I feel.”

But was it that simple? Did Morgan just have to show up and work hard?

Well, it was a bit more challenging than that.

Morgan was one of a handful of freshmen who not only enrolled early but also participated in bowl game preparation and practice with the team as the Wolverines traveled to Phoenix to face TCU in the College Football Playoff. Fresh out of high school, Morgan’s head was spinning — with newfound freedom as well as learning everything that being a college player entailed. He wasn’t anticipating the 6 a.m. workouts, the level of detail necessary, the physical, grueling grind. Once he got through bowl prep and then spring ball — which was a different animal, he says — his head started getting screwed on straight.

Looking back, Morgan is thankful that he got those experiences because he’s certain that without them, he wouldn’t be ready to see the field as he is now.

“I feel like that was very beneficial because when we first got here, it was like we was deer in headlights when we first got here,” Morgan said. “Like, you know how fast everything went and I feel like if I would have came in the summer, I don’t know how fast I would have picked up on the offense. But, being here in the spring and being here in the wintertime, bowl prep, I feel like it helped me because — I wouldn’t say I’m a slower learner but it takes a little bit more for me to grasp certain things. So I feel like it was really big for me to be here back in bowl prep.”

While that’s his own experience, that’s not the impression that one of the leaders on the Wolverines had of Morgan.

Fifth-year nickel back and team captain Mike Sainristil has known the former West Bloomfield (Mich.) product for five years now, and he’s always seen a burgeoning wideout who was more mature than his age perhaps indicated.

“I would have never known if you didn’t say he said that,” Sainristil said of Morgan’s insistence that he was in a little over his head. “I thought Semaj came in and looked pretty good. I’ve known Semaj since I was a freshman. I used to work out with him when I was a receiver and he’s always looked like a really good receiver to me. I guess you could say it’s good to finally see him coming along and growing and becoming more of a team player. But I feel like if he stays consistent, stays on the path he is right now, he’s gonna be very special here.”

Fans will get another opportunity to see Morgan in action on Saturday when Michigan football travels to Nebraska. Kickoff will be at 3:30 p.m. EDT and the game will be broadcast on Fox.

Social media reactions to Michigan’s win over Rutgers

Great win for #Michigan! #GoBlue

Michigan took care of business at home to kick off the conference schedule, beating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 31-7.

Though the defense gave up a long touchdown early in the game, they locked in and were able to hold Rutgers scoreless for the rest of the day. Michigan’s coaching staff once again showed their ability to make in-game adjustments, boding well for their chances as the schedule heats up.

Relive Semaj Morgan’s first career touchdown, Mike Sainristil’s electric interception returned for a touchdown, and more exciting moments from Michigans conference opener.

See what Michigan fans, media members, and more are saying about the win.

Five Takeaways: Michigan football wins Big Ten opener vs. Rutgers

Good, dominant game from #Michigan! #GoBlue

Michigan opened conference play with a 31-7 win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers opened the game with a long touchdown pass, but that was about all its offense could muster. The UM defense locked them down for the remainder of the game and even managed to get a score of their own on a massive pick-six courtesy of Mike Sainristil.

Jim Harbaugh made his return to the sideline, and while there were some hiccups, it was clear Michigan’s head coach was missed. Expect things to trend up from here as the Wolverines get into the heavy part of their schedule.

As the Wolverines advance to 4-0 on the season, here are some takeaways from the game:

Why you’re seeing Michigan football first-year WRs in games earlier and earlier

Excited to see more and more of them! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It seems that every offseason, the Michigan football coaching staff waxes ecstatic about the incoming skill position players, only to see them fall by the wayside once the season actually begins.

This year, the coaching staff raved about the trio of freshman wideouts — Karmello English, Fred Moore, and Semaj Morgan — and while we haven’t seen a ton of production out there from any of the above as of yet, we’re seeing them getting in the games early and often. We’ve seen all three come out as early as the first half, during key drives, and in the case of Moore, even make a crucial catch early in a game.

Contrast that to a player like Nico Collins, who was arguably Michigan’s best wide receiver in his tenure, who didn’t see any time in his freshman year until late in the season, — and that was out of necessity rather than him coming on so strong that they had to get him out on the field. His compatriots in that class — Tarik Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones, also played early and often, and while some of that was certainly because of talent, it also appeared to be out of necessity, given that both Jehu Chesson and Amara Darboh had moved onto the NFL that offseason.

On Wednesday, Wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy shared why these freshmen have been able to get more and more playing time, noting that they treat the game like seasoned veterans.

“They’re doing well, they’re doing well. You can’t treat them like freshmen,” Bellamy said. “I tell them all the time, whoever we play, you’re not going to look across and say, ‘Oh, this is an 18-year-old freshman here, take it easy on him,’ like no — they are going to be attacking them like they would any other player. So there has to be the mindset. We don’t treat them like freshmen. Those guys are diligent about their craft. That’s the thing I like about them. And that’s why they’re getting opportunities. Those guys are constantly wanting to learn and making sure that they’re dialed in and detailed in everything that we do.”

At this juncture, only Moore and Morgan have registered stats. Moore has two catches for 18 yards while Morgan has one for 35.

Fans will get a chance to see the trio in action on Saturday when Michigan football hosts Rutgers for the start of Big Ten play and the annual homecoming game. Kickoff will be at noon EDT and will be broadcast on Big Ten Network.

Fountain of Youth: How Michigan football’s underclassmen performed

The young bucks really shined! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan’s 31-6 win over Bowling Green served as the final installment in the Wolverines’ 2023 out-of-conference schedule. Though the game looked rocky in the first half, Michigan eventually got the score under control and cruised to a victory.

The key to Michigan’s success the past two seasons has been player development. Players like Rod Moore, Kris Jenkins, and Michael Barrett entered the program as relatively unheralded recruits, but now stand as crucial figures to the success of a national championship-hopeful team. Utilizing games against lesser opponents, like Bowling Green, to play young players is critical to their development.

Michigan’s young secondary pieces looked strong. Redshirt sophomore Keon Sabb made his third straight start in absence of Rod Moore, and once again impressed. He was been solid in coverage, willing to make a tackle, and today recorded a sack on the first possession of the game.

Also standing out was Jyaire Hill. The 18-year-old cornerback saw reps in the first half and performed admirably. The most notable thing about Hill’s game was his willingness to get involved in the run game. It’s not often you see a first-year player throw themselves into a pulling guard, but Hill showed no fear.

Not only should both Sabb and Hill have meaningful roles this season, but they are very likely going to be starters heading into next year. Their progress is essential to the success of the team moving forward.

Offensively, Semaj Morgan and Cole Cabana were the only true freshman to get touches.

Cabana, who made his debut after spending the first two games out with injury, got a pair of carries which he took for six yards. The speedster out of Dexter, Michigan is built from a similar mold as current Wolverine Donovan Edwards. Both are running backs by name, but have the skillset to split out wide as a receiver. If the punt return battle continues into the season, I would not be surprised to see Cabana get a fair shake.

Though a wide receiver, Semaj Morgan’s contribution to the game came on a jet sweep that went for four yards. Morgan is a twitchy slot receiver who should challenge opponents on short routes in the future, but for now may need some time to grow into a college body. I mentioned punt return duties for Cabana earlier, but I think Morgan could be a name we see here as well. While not the home run threat that Cabana is, Morgan’s explosiveness makes him a great tool working in tight spaces.

As per usual, the fountain of youth seems to be kind to Michigan. Though the current state of recruiting might be a little bland, Harbaugh and his staff always seem to find their guys.

Michigan football freshman wide receiver trio already poised for big things

Can’t wait to see what they do in year one! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Earlier in August, Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh raved about the three freshman wide receivers, noting that they get out of their breaks better than just about any wideouts he’s seen at that age.

Their teammate, fellow wide receiver Roman Wilson, concurs.

Now that fall camp has concluded and game week is officially here, Wilson says that he could see Fredrick Moore, Semaj Morgan, and Karmello English being the faces of the offense once their time comes.

“They’re just a very advanced group of guys. They’re very good,” Wilson said. “And I think in a couple years, they’re gonna be those dudes. I really like them. I’m really confident and the sky’s the limit for them. They’re very good.”

Fans have gotten to see both Moore and Morgan in the spring game. Morgan had a quiet day, but Moore had four catches on five targets for 62 yards — and impressive showing for a first-year player. But English will likely make his winged helmet debut on Saturday, and no one outside of Schembechler Hall quite knows what to expect.

He’s gotten rave reviews during fall camp, but what does he play like? Wilson says that what you saw from Moore in the spring game is what you’ll also see from the Alabama native in English.

“He kind of reminds me of (Fredrick Moore) a little bit, just a lengthier guy,” Wilson said. “Long strides gets out of the breaks well, high-points the ball well, playmaker, things like that both. All three of them are very good.”

It isn’t just that these are three freshmen who are doing well for their age. Wilson notes that all three appear to be more advanced than the typical first-year wide receiver. If they can utilize their advanced knowledge and skill set to get on the field in year one, it could be a boon to an offense looking to enhance its passing game under third-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

“Yeah, they actually do. They actually pick up information really well and translate it and pick it up really fast.”

Fans will get a chance to see the trio on Saturday, when Michigan football hosts East Carolina for the season opener at The Big House. The game will stream live on Peacock with kickoff at noon EDT.

The six freshmen that have been impressing Jim Harbaugh in fall camp

Familiarize yourself with these players now, #Michigan fans! #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Every year, one of the big questions in fall camp is which freshmen will impress so much that they see the field regularly during the season?

In the past, we’ve seen wide receiver Grant Perry, running back Chris Evans, edge rusher Rashan Gary, wide receivers Tarik Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones, edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, wide receiver Ronnie Bell, kicker Jake Moody, safety Dax Hill, running back Blake Corum, safety Rod Moore, cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackle Mason Graham and burst onto the scene in their first years. That spans the bulk of the Jim Harbaugh era, so it’s more likely than not that at least one first-year player will emerge.

And if you’re looking for a few candidates, look no further than one position group.

Speaking of the wide receivers on Tuesday, Harbaugh singled out the three freshmen there as players who not only could step up in Year 1, but that have ability beyond what fans have seen at the position — maybe ever. While that’s lofty praise given the wideouts ranging from Anthony Carter to Braylon Edwards, fans should start to familiarize themselves with the freshman trio.

“Fredrick Moore, Karmello English and Semaj Morgan: Those three have really come in and inserted themselves right off the bat,” Harbaugh said. “They’ve taken reps with the ones and taking reps with the twos. They’re not playing like freshmen.

“Karmello, Fredrick and Semaj — their ability to get out of a break, we haven’t seen that for many freshmen, let alone too many receivers that have come through here. That ability, their ability to track the ball, Fredrick Moore’s ability to track the ball, is as good as I’ve seen. Semaj Morgan: quick, fast. And in shorter stature, but a very big catch radius. He can catch the ball away from his body, he can high point. He’s been really good.”

That’s not all, however.

Asked about other freshman contributors, Jim Harbaugh said he has something brewing at defensive tackle. Though that’s a loaded group with Kris Jenkins, Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Cam Goode and Rayshaun Benny in the likely rotation, Harbaugh says don’t be surprised if any of the three freshmen on the interior line break out and see playing time in Year 1.

“Yeah, there’s other guys. Yeah, there’s a great group of freshmen. Cameron Brandt, Enow Etta, Trey Pierce — those three have been outstanding and came in right on time,” Harbaugh said. “And I just feel like that interior defensive line group has really been bolstered. We’ll see who the fifth and sixth defensive lineman is going to be in that rotation. But definitely those three will most likely be in. That’s how good they’re playing.”

Harbaugh also mentioned three of the freshmen cornerbacks were playing well in fall camp, which could be a boon given the Wolverines’ need at the position opposite Will Johnson.

“Three really good freshmen in that group, another position group that have three that are ascending,” Harbaugh said. “DJ Waller, Jyaire Hill and Cam Calhoun are coming on fast.”

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Early Signing Day: Semaj Morgan signs with Michigan football

Another dynamic player from the state of #Michigan! #GoBlue

Ratings

Stars Overall Position State
247Sports 3 – #54 WR #7
On3 3 – #130 WR #11
Rivals 4 – #60 WR #10
ESPN 3 – #90 WR #12
247Sports Composite 3 486 #66 WR #11
On3 Consensus 3 503 #72 WR #12

Vitals

Hometown West Bloomfield (Mich.)
Projected Position Wide Receiver
Height 5-foot-10
Weight 175-pounds

Notable offers

  • Maryland
  • Mississippi State
  • Missouri
  • Ole Miss
  • Purdue
  • West Virginia

Readiness Level

Could be a role player in his first year, but is more likely to be utilized in year two and beyond.

Early Enrollee?

Yes

Notes

Via MGoBlue.com:

Prep
• Attended West Bloomfield High School (2023) coached by Tyrice Grice
• Part of the Lakers’ 2020 MHSAA Division 1 State Championship team that finished 11-1 in 2020 for the program’s first-ever state title during his sophomore year
• Helped lead West Bloomfield to a 29-5 overall record in his three years as a varsity player
• Part of a 10-2 season his junior (2021) year; finished 8-2 as a senior
• The Lakers won back-to-back OAA (Oakland Athletics Association) Red conference and district titles (2020-21) in his time at WBHS
• As a freshman, played quarterback with the junior varsity
• Also lettered in basketball and track and field (sprints, long jumps) for the Lakers

Key Statistics
• Earned snaps all over the field for the Lakers as a senior in 2022, playing wide receiver and quarterback on offense, safety on defense, and handling kick and punt return duties
• Caught 43 passes for 733 yards with 14 touchdowns his senior year; as a quarterback, tossed five touchdowns and no interceptions in one start and additional spot duty
• Also managed a 92-yard touchdown run as part of three carries for 192 total rushing yards
• His senior year on defense, recorded multiple interceptions returned for touchdowns (including a 101-yard return) and one scoop-and-score fumble recovery
• As a junior, caught 61 passes for 1,015 yards with 13 touchdowns
• His sophomore season, the offense averaged 39.7 points per game en route to the state title
• Helped the Lakers’ offense average 32 points per game across his freshman, junior, and senior seasons

Honors and Rankings
• Earned a 247Sports Composite ranking of three stars; the No. 484 overall player nationally, the No. 65 wide receiver and the No. 11 player in the state of Michigan
• Named a three-star prospect by 247Sports;  the No. 51 wide receiver and the No. 8 player in the state of Michigan
• Rated as a three-star prospect by ESPN, the No. 57 player in the region, the No. 90 wide receiver and the No. 12 player  in the state of Michigan
• Rivals.com four-star prospect, the No. 60 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 10 player in Michigan
• On3.com three-star consensus prospect, the No. 503 overall player, the No. 72 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 12 player in Michigan
• On3.com three-star prospect, the No. 129 wide receiver in the nation and the No. 11 player in Michigan
• U.S. Army All-American game participant
• All-State selection (Detroit Free Press) in 2021
• Detroit Free Press Dream Team (2022)
• All-Region wide receiver as a junior in 2021 and as a sophomore in 2020
• Received the Legacy Football Iron Man Award

Personal
• Semaj Morgan was born May 6, 2005
• Son of Semaj and Erika Morgan

Scouting report

Via 247Sports’ Allen Trieu:

Dynamic, lightning in a bottle type of player. Camp season really highlighted his ability to create separation with his explosiveness and suddenness. Also shows good ball skills in tracking it in the air and making tougher catches. He demonstrated that in his sophomore season as well and can be a threat on jet sweeps, as a return man, and on screens with his open-field ability. Not a big guy, but has shown the catch radius and other tools to make up for that. Fits well in most of today’s wide open offenses.

Film

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Michigan football receives second commitment of the day

He’s going to be a dynamic player!

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Michigan football is on a roll.

On Wednesday, the Wolverines received a commitment from 2022 Austin (Tex.) Westlake three-star defensive end Ethan Burke. Earlier in the week, 2023 Richmond (Va.) Benedictine four-star defensive lineman Joel Starlings pledged to the class.

Now the maize and blue are getting local.

2023 West Bloomfield (Mich.) three-star wide receiver Semaj Morgan has been something of a mainstay on campus, having made several visits to Ann Arbor. His former head coach, Ron Bellamy, is the safeties coach for the Wolverines, to boot.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound receiver hinted on Instagram on Wednesday evening that he may end his recruitment, and he did just that at night, committing to Michigan on Twitter.

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Morgan has offers from several MAC schools as well as Ole Miss and Missouri. His stock will certainly rise in the near future.

247Sports’ Allen Trieu describes him as a future Power Five starter:

Dynamic, lightning in a bottle type of player. Camp season really highlighted his ability to create separation with his explosiveness and suddenness. Also shows good ball skills in tracking it in the air and making tougher catches. He demonstrated that in his sophomore season as well and can be a threat on jet sweeps, as a return man, and on screens with his open-field ability. Not a big guy, but has shown the catch radius and other tools to make up for that. Fits well in most of today’s wide open offenses.

Morgan is rated the No. 336 player in the 2023 class per the 247Sports Composite, the No. 44 wide receiver, and No. 5 player in the state of Michigan.

Watch his junior highlights below:

Morgan is the third player to commit in the 2023 class thus far.

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