The talk of the offseason hasn’t been hard to follow. Nearly 90% of it has centered around the new Chicago Bears’ quarterbacks, particularly #2 overall pick Mitch Trubisky. For the first time in almost a decade the franchise has seriously overhauled the most important position. Fans are no doubt anxious to see the results. That said other names have gotten lots of attention from free agents like Prince Amukamara to big second round tight end Adam Shaheen. One name lost in that shuffle has been Jordan Morgan.
Remember him? It’s easy to understand why some might not. He was the Bears’ final pick of the 2017 draft. A fifth rounder out of Division II Kutztown. If that weren’t enough to kill the buzz, the fact he’s coming in as a guard doesn’t help. Everybody knows the offense is set at that position with Pro Bowlers Josh Sitton and Kyle Long. Essentially Morgan was a backup the moment he got drafted.
At the same time people also know Jordan Howard was a fifth round backup too. Look how that worked out. Could the same trajectory be possible for Morgan? If his former college coach is to be believed, that’s a definite yes.
Jordan Morgan was selfish when it came to opposing pass rushers
Though he’ll be moving to guard in the pros, Morgan was a highly accomplished left tackle in college. What’s amazing about it is how inexperienced he was. His original high school didn’t have a football team. It wasn’t until midway through his senior year via an extracurricular program that he gave the game a shot. He made such a big first impression that he transferred to another school so he could play.
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Dan Durkin of The Athletic then explained his walking on at Kutztown and making a name for himself. Perhaps the most shocking part of it all though, was the final nugget unveiled by his former coach.
“Over Morgan’s five years at Kutztown, he bloomed physically and as a player. He packed on 74 pounds, which he carries well in a sturdy, square frame. started 43 of 44 career games at left tackle, becoming a two-time team captain, MVP and All American, and the 2016 Gene Upshaw award winner, given to the nation’s top Division II lineman. He was a rock on the left side of Kutztown’s offensive line, and brought stability both on and off the field.
“I don’t think he gave up a sack. Ever,” Kutztown head coach Jim Clements said. “We didn’t have to worry about him one bit.”
The tape backs up the stats
Think about that for a second. Not one sack given up in five years. Keep in mind this is the head coach so he definitely reviewed the tape. If he’s to be believed, and there’s no reason to lie, then that’s insane. For those who might be curious between 2012 and 2016 Kutztown threw a total of 2,143 passes. Apparently Morgan didn’t surrender a sack on every single one of them.
Sure it may have been against Division II competition but still. Not one rusher could get by him even once in over 2,000 chances? That’s incredible consistency and a nod to just how gifted the young offensive lineman is. If some people out there don’t believe it, the game tape seems to back it up too.
The first two plays showcase Morgan using his athleticism and quick feet to stay in front of pass rushers. He also utilized a strong punch on the second snap to push the defensive end too far out of the rushing lane where he won’t be able to make the play. Then on the third snap we get to see his mixture of power and nastiness. Morgan crashes down the line hard and drives the end almost five yards down the field. It opens a gaping hole for the running back to spring for a big gain.
This is perhaps further proof that Bears GM Ryan Pace knew what he was doing all along. A lot of people slammed him for taking three players from Division II programs in the draft. Since then all three of those players, Morgan included, have started to create a buzz. Pace will have to light up a cigar if they end up becoming capable starters for the team down the road.
