Dylan Morris enters the portal, my Heisman ballot and other Monday thoughts
Washington's backup quarterback will remain with the team through the CFP.
There was something admirable about the way Dylan Morris handled his business after the 2021 season.
Washington’s 4-8 finish required a program makeover that found Morris wearing a headset. The Huskies’ starting quarterback in 2020-21, Morris watched as UW fired Jimmy Lake and hired Kalen DeBoer to replace him, then as DeBoer and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb recruited Michael Penix Jr. from the transfer portal.
Coaches put forth an equitable competition for the starting job throughout their first spring and preseason camp, though it was relatively clear Penix would be the guy; you know how that turned out. Morris assumed backup duties, though it seemed little else changed in his day-to-day.
He still arrived at the facility before most anyone, still excelled during conditioning drills, still earned the respect of his coaches and teammates for the way he worked. Morris was so diligent in his preparation that when I asked a staff member at the end of last season to name some of the team’s unsung heroes, they recommended Morris despite the fact he’d taken all of one meaningful snap (a 13-yard, fourth-quarter completion to Jalen McMillan, at Arizona State, when Penix went out for one play due to injury).
Morris entered the transfer portal on Monday, though I’m told he’ll remain with UW through the College Football Playoff. His decision is unsurprising, considering the Huskies are actively recruiting the portal for Penix’s replacement; Mississippi State transfer Will Rogers is scheduled to visit campus this week.