RECRUITING: Demetrius Morley has no favorites yet
By Mark McLeod GatorCountry.com
Date: Jul 5, 2004
Killian safety Demetrius Morley walked off of the field after the Cougars had dropped a heartbreaking 3-0 state semi-final game to eventual 6A champion Carol City defeated, but not broken. What was the pain of last winter has become a major source of motivation this summer for him.
Demetrius Morley (6', 180lb)
"We had a great year last year. We were right there. But it just didn't fall into place. We have a strong team coming back. On July 5th, we'll start with the cones for our footwork and speed drills and I'll tell you, I'm ready to get this thing going."
The Cougars went 11-3 dumping Palmetto, Coral Gables, and Southridge along the playoff road. But, Morley only mentioned that discouraging December evening. He is on a mission - a mission to get Killian to Gainesville for the state title game.
Despite lining up at safety, Morley will be among the top cover men in the country by year's end. As one might expect, he is being recruited by the top universities. "My focus has been on improving. I've spent this summer getting stronger and improving my speed. I've also watched some film with Coach Rolle to help make me better." Morley said that he would narrow his list of colleges later, but based on the way he spoke about Miami and LSU, they appear to be the schools that sparked his immediate interest.
When asked which coach impressed him the most Morley said, "Saban. Because I talked to him and his staff quite a bit. I like them and the facilities they have over there. They've got great facilities. It's a good school". The 6'0 ft 180lb player also named hometown favorite Miami as a top contender. Morley likes Head Coach Larry Coker and the Hurricane staff. He said that the home team had to be considered.
Wherever he goes, there is no question that Morley will line up at corner. His ability in man coverage is the stuff that defensive coordinators drool over. But, for the time being, leading Coach Billy Rolle's Cougars around that final cone for a December date in "The Swamp" fuels his motivation.
Mark McLeod What has been your focus this summer?
Demetrius Morley: "I've pretty much spent the summer working on getting stronger and improving my speed. I've also watched some film with Coach Rolle to help make me better."
Mark McLeod Who have you patterned your workout routine with - high school coaches, personal trainer, or advice from college players?
Demetrius Morley:"My head Coach (Rolle). On July 5th, we'll start with the cones for our footwork and speed drills and I'll tell you, I'm ready to get this thing going."
Mark McLeod Where have you improved most this summer?
Demetrius Morley: "My consistency. I really haven't improved in any one thing. I'm just more consistent."
Mark McLeod Which teams are recruiting you the hardest?
Demetrius Morley: "Miami, LSU, and Ohio State are recruiting me the hardest, if you're talking about the top teams."
Mark McLeod Have you determined your visit list?
Demetrius Morley: "No. That's something that I'll do later. I'm just focusing on getting better right now"
Mark McLeod Is there a school that you have looked at as a favorite?
Demetrius Morley: "No, I'm open."
Mark McLeod Of all of the coaches recruiting you, who has been the most impressive and why?
Demetrius Morley: "Saban, because I talked to him and his staff quite a bit. I like them and the facilities they have over there. They've got great facilities. It's a good school."
Mark McLeod Who else made a strong impression on you?
Demetrius Morley: "Coker, I talk to him a lot and the assistant coaches a lot. They're the home team. You have to look at the home team."
Mark McLeod What will be that one thing that does it for you when it comes time to determine which college is best for you?
Demetrius Morley: "Family. We'll discuss it as a family. They'll support me wherever I decide to go."
Mark McLeod Are you an athlete looking for a school to help improve your game while getting an education or do you consider yourself a student-athlete trying to get an education while trying to go to a school that can help me athletically?
Demetrius Morley: "Definitely athlete."
Mark McLeod What will you major in?
Demetrius Morley: "Business management."
Mark McLeod If you had to arrange three criteria - depth chart, education, and coaching staff in level of importance to you, what would they be?
Demetrius Morley: "Education, coaching staff, and then depth chart"
Mark McLeod What games do you most want to witness on your recruiting visits?
Demetrius Morley: "I don't know. No, really, I wish that LSU and Miami played. That's one I'd like to see."
