Most high school students look forward to graduation day and senior prom, but there are also those few who look forward to signing day.
Many students who play sports and aspire to become professional athletes long for the day that they sign to a university to further their athletic careers.
On Feb. 6, Morgan was able to be a part of a huge moment in many athletes’ lives.
Morgan’s football program signed 29 players – only two from the Baltimore-Washington area — to join the roster for next season. More than half of them are offensive players.
Morgan’s recruiting class is ranked No. 4 in HBCU football based on talent, according to the radio program From the Press Box to Press Row
One person who stood out on signing day was running back Orlando Johnson, a high school senior at Ridgeway High School in Memphis. During this past season, Johnson rushed for 2,018 yards.
Going from high school football to college football may be seen as a huge transition, yet Johnson shows no fear or doubt about his performance on the college level.
“College is different from high school, but I’m ready to learn the college game and its game speed,” he says.
Johnson brings speed and strength to Morgan’s football roster, something that it will need considering that the team will be losing graduating senior Travis Davidson, a leading rusher in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
“I think I will bring versatility, toughness and quickness to the team,” Johnson says with confidence.
Another notable name is Ricky Fisk, a quarterback from Port Arthur Memorial High School in Texas. Fisk was named the Port Arthur News’ Super Team MVP, passing for 2,025 yards and scoring 20 touchdowns. But there’s also another dimension to his skill: his running game. Fisk rushed for 897 yards and made 12 touchdowns. Along with competing for the quarterback position, he might see some playing time as a receiver on the field.
Morgan is coming off a tough football season with a losing record of 3-8. But with the new assets it is bringing from all over the country, there is no telling what the Bears will do this year.
