Tag: Tyler Morris

Michigan offense performing better in practice but it’s not translating to games

Something’s gotta give here. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The Michigan football offense has struggled tremendously in 2024 and now, seven games in, it’s at the point where the coaching staff is looking to slow things down and simplify the point of attack.

The run game often works, but the pass game is abysmal, among the worst in the nation at No. 129 out of 134 teams. Under no circumstances did anyone think that after losing quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and both starting receivers that the pass game would take a step forward. But the fact that it’s fallen completely off a cliff indicates that the Wolverines were either over-confident or are simply under-delivering.

Now that the coaches are working to pare things down, junior wide receiver Tyler Morris says that he can tell that the offense is being stripped down for parts, essentially, but regardless, it’s still on the quarterbacks and receivers to execute when called upon.

“I mean, yeah, I’ve seen it. But, you know, I think with whatever game plan it is, simplified or not, we got to be ready to go execute,” Morris said. “So, I mean, I think it does make things easier, just try to do things that are easy for us, make it hard for them. So, regardless of what play is called, we got to go out and execute.”

The biggest part for Michigan isn’t just that the offense isn’t working, it’s more that it’s working throughout the week, but come Saturdays, nothing works.

The Wolverines scored just seven points, coming out of a bye week, the lowest amount scored since Michigan lost 31-0 at Notre Dame in 2014 — pre-Jim Harbaugh. Morris is exasperated, given that during practice, the offense drives the field — something that even defensive players were saying during fall camp. Now, the defense has had its struggles, but it’s still technically upper-tier at No. 34 in terms of total defense and 50th in scoring defense, allowing 22.1 points per game.

So, for Morris, it’s surprising to see how much worse the offense performs when it’s actually facing someone in a different uniform, because it doesn’t look so bad during the week in preparation.

“Yes, at times I do, because there’s times when practice where we look real good and we just got to apply more to the game,” Morris said. “Where we’re messing up small details that we were good with all week in practice. So I think it just comes with calming down a little bit during the games and just going out and executing. That’s really all I see, because we have more than enough time during the week to get things right, and there’s just — yeah, there’s been times where we’ve executed all week, and then there’s just been something out there in the game.”

For Morris himself, this season has been a wash. Expected to be the leading receiver and having received all kinds of praise this offseason as the primary option in the pass game, he’s had just eight catches for 73 yards and one touchdown. While he may be outpacing last year in terms of catches, he’s far behind on yards — and this is without Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson playing outside of him.

Though the season hasn’t gone how he’s liked personally or as a whole, Morris is keeping the faith that the maize and blue can break through their struggles offensively.

“It’s been frustrating. Like I said before, we haven’t had the season that we’ve been expecting. So, yeah, it’s been frustrating,” Morris said. “But we can’t change it. It’s not like we can change anything, as far as how that goes. So every week, we’re coming out just ready for whoever’s going to be out there, and we’re going to play to the best of our ability.”

Tyler Morris on Michigan receivers: ‘There’s always room for improvement’

I mean, yeah. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — All offseason, there had been questions about Michigan football’s wide receiving corps, but an insistence from those inside Schembechler Hall that the group was much better than people thought.

Well, through five games, the entirety of the passing game has been suspect — whether it’s either of the quarterbacks who have started this season, the pass protection, and certainly the wide receivers.

The one spoken of the most has been Tyler Morris, the junior who was expected to take on that Ronnie Bell role. Morris started last year in that role but saw little production. But with his speedy touchdown in the Rose Bowl against Alabama, you could see the potential.

Still, Morris says that he and his group are aware of their recent shortcomings and note that they definitely have to improve.

“I mean, there’s always room for improvement,” Morris said. “I think our biggest thing is just taking advantage of the opportunities that we do get. If we keep capitalizing on them, I think more opportunities to make plays will keep coming.”

As far as Morris scoring his second touchdown of his career, it was something of a sigh of relief. After the game, he shared how that play went down as well as his emotions upon returning into the land of production.

“It’s exciting, finally getting back in the end zone,” Morris said. “But yeah, just snuck behind the line, kind of, and saw that everybody already turned their back, so I knew I was probably getting the ball. And then he threw it, and I just tried to get to the end zone.”

Saturday will provide another chance to improve for the whole group. The Wolverines are heading on the road for the first time this year, the first true road trip since Nov. 2023 at Maryland. And Morris says it’s chance for the whole team to take the next step.

“I think it’s an opportunity for us to just come together again as a team, playing somewhere else,” Morris said. “Taking a trip and being in an environment where everybody’s against us. I think that’s fun. I like playing in away games. So, I think we’ll definitely be excited for it.”

Michigan and Washington will kick off at 7:30 p.m. EDT at Husky Stadium in Seattle. The game will be nationally broadcast on NBC.

Tyler Morris ‘way crazier’ than his scoring play vs. Alabama in the Rose Bowl

Will WR1 show out in 2024? #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — One of the big question marks entering Saturday’s season opener against Fresno State is how Michigan football’s wide receiving corps will be.

Though there are some solid players — Tyler Morris, Semaj Morgan, Amorion Walker — they’ve been role players to this point. But everyone inside Schembechler Hall insists that Morris, in particular, is much more viable than being a role player.

Morris showed that off in his first (and only) touchdown of his two-year career, when he took a short pass the distance in the Rose Bowl against Alabama. Outrunning the entirety of the Crimson Tide secondary, Morris showcased just how explosive he can be.

And his teammates say that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

“I feel like T. Mo., he really stepped into his leader role — he’s been here for a few, three years,” sophomore WR Semaj Morgan said. “This is his third year coming up, I feel like he’s really stepping into that leader (role). That playoff scene against Alabama last year, I’m telling you, he’s way crazier than that. And I’m just real happy for T. Mo., going into this year knowing the type of camp that he is having. Any type of spring ball that he had. I’m just looking forward to seeing what he’s gonna do.”

What does it mean that he’s ‘way crazier’ than that play? WolverinesWire asked Morris on Tuesday what he’s been doing in fall camp that’s given Morgan that impression, and while he humbly didn’t jump to a handful of plays he’s made in practice, he shared more about his versatility and what he feels like he’s capable of.

“I don’t know, I guess it could be a little bit of everything,” Morris said. “I guess sometimes people don’t necessarily see me as somebody that could stretch the field or somebody that’s necessarily fast, but I feel like I can do it all. And that’s what I want to bring to the team this year is just somebody that, whatever role we need, I can step up and make a play.”

Michigan will need Morris to step up if it is to defend its national championship or go on any kind of College Football Playoff run. It all starts on Saturday when the Wolverines hold their season opener at The Big House.

ESPN says this is Michigan football 2024 X-factor

It’s his turn. #GoBlue

Michigan football lost a lot of talent from a year ago but looks to reload with some high-end players who are in their junior year this year.

From cornerback Will Johnson, defensive tackles Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, and tight end Colston Loveland, there’s no shortage of potential first-round NFL draft picks who will be leading the Wolverines this year. But there’s another junior who could be an impact player that many aren’t discussing.

ESPN put out a list of each top team’s X-factor in 2024, and while your guess may be quarterback Alex Orji, the outlet actually looks to a third-year wide receiver who could make the big difference in the new year.

WR Tyler Morris. The Wolverines lost go-to receiver Roman Wilson to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the NFL draft. But that could create an opportunity for junior Morris to shine in his spot. Morris showed what he could do with a blistering 38-yard touchdown reception down the sideline in the CFP victory over Alabama. The Wolverines are banking that Morris can give them a lot more plays like that as their new go-to receiver. — Trotter

While that’s ESPN’s guess, really, it could be any number of Michigan receivers. The position group is mostly unknown, with Morris being the elder statesman, Semaj Morgan being the electric gadget player, Fred Moore and Kendrick Bell being the deep threats, while Amorion Walker (another third-year player) gets his feet wet back on offense and C.J. Charleston adds via the transfer portal.

Morris showed off his SEC speed against Alabama in the Rose Bowl, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see any of the above end up having a breakout year with Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson both having left for the NFL this year.

Morris had 13 catches for 197 yards and one touchdown as a starter in the slot last year, his first year starting.

Second-year receivers stepping up for Michigan football in spring

These guys are gonna need to really step up in 2024. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While most eyes in Ann Arbor are set on the quarterback room in spring practice, perhaps the biggest question should be: who is the quarterback going to be throwing to?

Michigan football has very little experience at the wide receiver position. Though tight end Colston Loveland could (and should) be a primary target, there are only four touchdowns in the careers of those who remain at pass catcher. Sophomore Semaj Morgan (2), junior Tyler Morris (1), and senior Peyton O’Leary (1) are the only ones who have experience of getting into the end zone.

For Morris, as someone who’s seen more time on task than the others with the starting offense, he’s emerging as a leader this spring. And he’s seeing some of the second-year players stepping up to the plate, and calling on all — himself, included — to take their games to the next level in 2024.

“I would say Fred and Semaj — really it’s everybody,” Morris said. “Fred and Semaj, I feel like just being like young guys — they were the freshmen last year — and this year they’ve shown that they can they can step up.

“And Semaj I feel like last year had a lot of the quick game stuff. And this year, I mean — I’ve told him that was nice, but we need you to do more. And that’s kind of and that’s just kind of the expectation. We’re going to need everybody to step up.

“Fred — we’re gonna need him to really be one of those deep-ball receivers. Peyton — I mean, he ain’t played a lot — we talked about it, too. We just we need everybody to step up and just give it everything.”

While Semaj Morgan and Fredrick Moore are young, we usually see second-year receivers take a big step forward from year one to year two. Why is that?

The same could be said for Morris, though he was just the seventh-most prolific receiver in 2023. Still, it’s a trend we see, especially in the pro-style system that Michigan runs. Why do receivers tend to make that jump once they become sophomores?

“Honestly, I think it’s just there’s a lot of stuff that you learn with playing football at the receiver position,” Morris said. “So, sometimes it can be hard just to come in right away and just really understand football. So I feel like the more reps they get against the starting defense and just in practice, and more opportunities are given, everybody’s gonna step up and make more plays than they did.”

Michigan is about midway through spring ball with the annual spring game taking place on April 20 at The Big House at noon.

Michigan football corners, nickels standing out to elder Wolverines WR

Lots of good names here. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — We already know who one starting cornerback will be, that’s not in question with Will Johnson returning as perhaps the best at his position in the country. But with Josh Wallace, who transferred in from UMass last year, departing for the NFL, the Wolverines have a need opposite Johnson in 2024.

And who would know better about the position than someone who has to go up against those competing for that role?

Wide receiver Tyler Morris added fuel to the fire that sophomore cornerback DJ Waller has been a pain in pass catchers’ backsides in spring ball and that he’s really making an imprint during the offseason practices.

“Personally, right now I’d say standing out to me is DJ Waller,” Morris said. “He’s a big, physical, long corner. He’s looked real good this spring and definitely challenged us.”

While replacing Wallace is one thing, replacing nickel back Mike Sainristil is another entirely.

The team captain always seemed to make the timely play from the inside. He was named by Washington star receiver Jalen McMillan as the most difficult defensive back he had to face in his college career. But now he’s gone, and the Wolverines need not only his play ability, but his leadership.

As for the former, Michigan appears to be rotating several players, but Morris thinks he sees a lot of potential from those who are working to replace No. 0.

“I feel like Ja’Den McBurrows has been doing good,” Morris said. “Jyaire Hill, I’ve seen him at nickel a few times. Honestly, sometimes it’s hard because I feel like they’re moving a lot of guys around. It’s been a lot of guys moving positions and trying stuff I feel like they may not have as much last year. Zeke Berry, sometimes. But I feel like they’ve all stepped up and are doing good.”

The defense appears to be in good position to still be among the nation’s elite, but unless it shores up the other starting cornerback and nickel positions, then it has a weak spot on that side of the ball. But, it’s looking more and more like there are some solid options for both.

Michigan football underrated WR proves superior SEC speed is just a myth

Gonna need plays like some we saw last week come Monday. #GoBlue

HOUSTON — The Rose Bowl featured a collection of plays that, when put together, resulted in a Michigan football victory.

One such play was Tyler Morris’ 38-yard catch-and-run for a first-half touchdown. It was Morris’ first touchdown in college and it came at an absolutely crucial moment, allowing the Wolverines to take the lead against a vaunted Alabama Crimson Tide team.

When it happened, Morris didn’t really believe it. It was later in the evening after Michigan had won or perhaps the next day that he realized he had made a big play to help propel the maize and blue to the national championship game.

“Honestly, it was kind of just hard to believe in the moment. I was so excited, and it was so many emotions going on,” Morris told Wolverines Wire. “And just for it to happen at that time, I think it was perfect timing to do my first one and just how the game ended up — I have to say like that night and the next day, just looking back on it and understanding what really just happened, it was just amazing to realize that I just scored in the Rose Bowl.”

One thing about that play is that it somewhat negated the stereotypes of what each team participating in the Rose Bowl was.

For years, we’ve heard all about SEC speed and how most everyone who plays in what has been considered the premier conference in college football since 2006 is bigger, faster, and stronger than anyone else. Considering the stereotype that the Big Ten is full of big, but slow players, Morris let Alabama know in a hurry that Michigan has team speed, too.

To score his touchdown, Morris had to get past a former five-star linebacker in Deontae Lawson, who was known for his speed and tackling, and past safety Jaylen Key, who was playing over top. But Morris gained the corner, and once he turned on the jets, he managed to get to the pylon to put Michigan up six.

As for the so-called superior SEC speed, Morris claims that is now a myth.

“Yeah, we I mean, we don’t believe that. They fast, but we fast, too,” Morris said. “So that wasn’t really much of a thought going into the game.”

Morris and the Michigan receivers have one more opportunity to disprove narratives.

The Wolverines are thought of as a team that can run the ball, but even in games where J.J. McCarthy throws all over the field, the wide receivers (outside of Roman Wilson) get few accolades.

Washington has the opposite reputation. It is a high-flying passing offense that’s expected to move the ball, regardless of what the vaunted Michigan defense throws at it. But the defense for the Huskies? Not great.

With the pass defense coming in at No. 123 in the nation, the wideouts for the Wolverines have an opportunity to show out should Michigan decide to go through the air. That’s a challenge that Morris and his cadre are willing to step into, especially considering this is the one last shot at a championship.

“Any game we go into with the mentality we’ve got to have a big game to win,” Morris said. “And especially this game — I don’t think we’re looking so much as into the rankings, but just understanding what we can do and understand this is the last game no matter what, so we need to play our best.”

Michigan and Washington will kick off the 2024 national championship game at 7:30 p.m. EST from NRG Stadium in Houston.

Turning point: When Michigan football pulled away from Indiana

There were a couple of turning points this week. #GoBlue

The Wolverines handled Indiana quite well on Saturday. The Hoosiers had a solid start, but ended the game giving up 52 points in a row to the good guys. Not much to blame them for — Michigan was simply the better team from start to finish.

So where did this week turn? Surprisingly, Indiana almost made it to the half before the Wolverines really began to pull away.

This week’s article is sort of a two-parter. With the score at 14-7 and 1:57 on the clock in the second quarter, Indiana was forced to punt with Tyler Morris set up to return. He let the ball bounce over his head all the way to the Michigan 20-yard line but collected himself just in time to squirt through two defenders. Eyes locked upfield, Morris began to weave his way through the waves of blockers and tacklers. He found a lane and jetted upfield, bringing the ball all the way into Indiana territory. His explosive return gave Michigan the opportunity to put some points on the board before heading into the half.

The second turning point came a few snaps later. With just under a minute remaining, Michigan had moved the ball into the red zone and was threatening to put the game out of reach. The Wolverines broke the huddle with four receivers out wide and Donovan Edwards in the backfield. Indiana brought a slot blitz and it got home.

Almost.

McCarthy recognized the blindside pressure at the last moment and stepped up to avoid it. His momentum swung him around and he rolled out to his left with the defense in hot pursuit. In the meantime, Edwards, who had leaked out for a route, began to run with McCarthy towards the sideline. With a defender closing and an awkward angle, McCarthy was left with a difficult play. Instead of trying to set his feet or rip a sidearm pass, he hopped off the ground for a half second. While in mid-air, J.J. awkwardly shoveled the ball about 10 yards downfield to Edwards, who caught it in stride. The back turned up field, lowered his shoulder, and was marked down just short of the goal line. Michigan would score a touchdown before half.

In addition to setting up a two-possession lead, this felt like it kicked the wind out of the Hoosiers’ defense. They had done a good job for enough of the half to feel like they were in the game, but having a special teams lapse followed by a back yard completion is simply demoralizing. Michigan continued to pour it on the rest of the matchup, and never let off the gas.

Five takeaways from Michigan football win over Indiana

Big win for #Michigan. #GoBlue

Another week, another win. Michigan looked shaky in the first quarter, but went on a 52-0 scoring run to close out the game.

This team is simply built for a national title. Every week the Wolverines humiliate their opponent with touchdowns, sacks, turnovers, and generally dominant football. It is a great time to be a Michigan fan.

It feels like every player the Wolverines march onto the field could start somewhere in the conference. True freshman Benjamin Hall averaged 6.4 yards per carry on nine attempts, linebacker Jaydon Hood forced a fumble, Karmello English and Semaj Morgan caught impressive touchdowns. Michigan has their share of household names, but the amount of talent waiting in the wings is absurd.

J.J. McCarthy expecting big things from one Michigan WR

Watching the younger crop of receivers will be interesting this year. #GoBlue

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — If Michigan football is going to be more productive in the pass game as it intends to be, it will be in part due to the veterans — Cornelius Johnson and Roman Wilson — stepping up, as well as the younger players. And there’s one that stands above the rest in J.J. McCarthy’s eyes.

With Ronnie Bell gone, the Wolverines will be looking for a dependable receiver underneath and in the middle of the field. Enter Tyler Morris, the sophomore who saw limited time in 2022, but is ready to step into an increased role this season.

“Tyler Morris — he’s gonna make a big name for himself this year,” McCarthy said. “I’ve had that connection built since my sophomore year in high school. So he’s going to do great things. But also Peyton O’Leary. Darrius Clemons, the young bucks Fredrick Moore, Semaj Morgan, Karmello English — all those guys are showing up on tape. So they’re doing a great job. Coach Bell’s doing a great job coaching them up, same with Coach Goodrich. And it’s just been a lot of fun to see those guys kind of mold into their own.”

What makes the connection between McCarthy and Morris so special is that the duo played together in high school before the former transferred to IMG Academy. They have a bond that transcends the playing field, but, what’s more, McCarthy has a familiarity with Morris and Morris with McCarthy.

The quarterback feels that that will pay dividends once the balls are live this year.

“Yeah, that’s like a special connection to me,” McCarthy said. “I mean, going back to, like you said (Nazareth Academy), I used to call him Simba, me Mufasa and stuff like that.

“Going back to eighth grade, freshman year, when we played 7-on-7 together, like that’s my guy. That’s my day one. And, it’s one of those things where I feel like I could close my eyes and throw the ball and I know where he’s gonna be out of his break. So having that with everyone is my goal right now. But with (Morris), it’s just like that. It’s money.”

Michigan will start the season on Sept. 2 when it hosts East Carolina for a noon EDT game at The Big House. The game will be televised on the streaming service, Peacock.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

[affiliatewidget_smgtolocal title=”An offer for Wolverines fans” description=”For the best local Detroit news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.” url=”https://cm.freep.com/channeloffer?gps-source=CPSMGMIDARTICLE&utm_source=smg&utm_medium=inline&utm_content=wolverineswire&utm_campaign=smgtolocal&offer=W-SF&barBuild=atoms-pid” button_text=”$1 for 3 months”]