This FIU Panthers fifth-year senior is on brink of finally playing his 1st bowl game
This is the fifth year in college for quarterback James Morgan, but this month should mark — finally — his first bowl game.
Morgan, who started his career at Bowling Green, was an FIU graduate transfer last season, when he was named Conference USA’s Newcomer of the Year.
However, an injury prevented him from playing in the 2018 Bahamas Bowl, and his backup, Christian Alexander, led FIU to a program-record ninth victory.
On Dec. 21, Morgan — barring another injury — will lead FIU (6-6) against Arkansas State (7-5) in the Camellia Bowl in Montgomery, Alabama.
“Not being able to play last year was a bummer,” Morgan said. “This year, I’m going to make the most of it and do everything I can to help our team win.”
Morgan, who has a 3.77 grade-point average while working on a master’s degree in public administration, was recently named to Conference USA’s All-Academic team.
He said he needs to write two papers this week and complete one class next semester to earn his master’s degree.
On the field, Morgan set a school record last season with 26 touchdown passes, finished third in the nation in fewest sacks taken and was 18th in the country in completion percentage (65.3).
This year, some of Morgan’s numbers are down — 13 TD passes and 57.9 completion percentage, for example. But he has only been intercepted three times, and he was recently invited to the East-West Shrine Game and the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, both Jan. 18.
“James has been an amazing addition to this program,” FIU coach Butch Davis said of Morgan, who missed one game and parts of two others this season due to a knee injury.
Morgan is not the only FIU player to earn invitations to showcases for pro prospects. Running back Anthony Jones and cornerback Stantley Thomas-Oliver have been invited to the Jan. 12 Tropical Bowl. Jones leads FIU with 803 rushing yards, and Thomas-Oliver tops FIU with seven pass-breakups.
“I’m blessed to have been able to play here with phenomenal teammates and incredible coaches,” Morgan said. “I hope to have made an impact.
“There’s a bright future for this program – a lot of talent on this roster.”
THIS AND THAT
▪ Davis said “25 percent” of practices early this week will be devoted to younger players who have not gotten much playing time yet. This is in an effort to give them a jump-start for spring practices.
▪ Davis on FIU fan support: “There is a buzz on campus, but you’d like it to be even better.”
▪ Davis said he was pleased with how his players competed this season. He mentioned the injuries FIU overcame at three positions in particular: quarterback (Morgan), linebacker (star middle linebacker Sage Lewis) and offensive line.
▪ FIU’s men’s basketball team (7-3) extended its winning streak to four games on Saturday with an 84-81 road win at Kennesaw State. FIU’s Devon Andrews had game highs in points (20) and steals (four). Teammate Osasumwen Osaghae added 18 points, five rebounds and four blocks, making 6-of-8 shots.
On Wednesday, FIU routed visiting Florida Gulf Coast, 71-53, as Panthers reserve guard Cameron Corcoran scored a game-high 15 points, making 5-of-7 on three-pointers. Osaghae had 14 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks.
FIU should run its win streak to six this week with a home game against Florida Memorial on Thursday and a trip to Stetson on Sunday.