Georgia Tech's Morgan used to standing out
Pat Harty ? January 3, 2010
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Georgia Tech defensive end Derrick Morgan is used to standing out among his peers, but not just because of his ability to wreak havoc on the football field.
Morgan is one of the few players on the Georgia Tech roster who is from the northern part of the United States.
He grew up in Coatesville, Pa., and was considered by some scouting services as the top prospect in Pennsylvania as a high school senior.
Now you're probably wondering why Morgan is preparing to face Iowa in the Orange Bowl on Tuesday instead of celebrating a victory over Louisiana State in the Capital One as a member of the Penn State team?
It's because Morgan is different than most of the kids that grow up in his area of eastern Pennsylvania. Not only did he cheer for Ohio State instead of Penn State as a kid, but he also liked the San Francisco 49ers more than the Philadelphia Eagles.
In fact, Morgan threw a shout out to his favorite NFL team while meeting with reporters Saturday morning.
"I stuck with the (49ers) through the thick and thin," Morgan said. "But we're coming back now. We kind of had a couple rough years."
Morgan also stuck with the Buckeyes despite living in the heart of Penn State territory, but he isn't sure why.
"Maybe the colors, I don't know," Morgan said. "I've just always liked Ohio State."
