Central Gwinnett RB emerging as a junior

When Todd Wofford took the job as head coach at Central Gwinnett High School in Lawrence, Georgia, he was leaving a position at one of the most talented programs around in Gainesville High School.

Just last year, Gainesville produced four-star prospects Tai-ler Jones and Blake Sims along with three-star Arkansas commit Daunte Carr. But after inheriting a team that went 2-8 in 2009, Wofford was pleasantly surprised to find some talent waiting in the wings, particularly in junior running back George Morris.

Morris didn't play much as a sophomore at South Gwinnett but early in the season as a junior, he has already had a big time impact. In his team's first game against Mountain View, Morris got his feet wet with 124 yards of offense and one touchdown in a 24-21 win.

That was just an appetizer.

In his team's second game - a 34-31 win over Chapel Hill - Morris upped his total to 160 yards rushing on 18 carries and 215 yards receiving on nine catches. Throw in four touchdowns and he has become a major part of a quick turnaround at Central Gwinnett.

Wofford has coached some very talented athletes in recent years and he puts Morris right up there with them.

"At the same state, same age and class, he's right on par with [Blake Sims and Tai-ler Jones]," Wofford said. "He's a different player than them because he's physically ahead of them because he's bigger but speed wise he's as fast as Blake and TJ. He's fast too. He has home run ability plus he'll get behind his pads and run through people too."

Evidenced by his all-purpose statistics, Morris has the ability to play a versatile role in a spread style offense but at 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, he is also a true downhill running back.

"When you look at him physically, he looks like an old school I-back," said Wofford. "He's tall, big and fast but he catches the ball like he can be a spread back too."

After sophomore season in which he rarely saw the field, Morris credits his fast start to simple hard work.

"I was just working hard every day in the summer," Morris said. "It was a lot of determination, focusing, setting goals. I worked with people, working out with people and taking no days off."

Already hitting their win total from a year ago, Morris has high expectations not only for himself but also for his team.

"I want to win the region and make the playoffs," he said. "I want to have no fumbles, at least 20 touchdowns, 1200 yards and be a team leader."

While his interest from colleges has not been heavy yet, Morris is receiving mail from South Carolina, Auburn and Georgia Tech. Georgia Tech in particular has been a welcomed visitor to his mailbox.

"I root for Georgia Tech," he said. "I like them a lot. I like their run offense. And think I can fit in there."

With a traditionally tough schedule in front of him, Morris will have plenty of time to prove that he can fit in anywhere.