Derrick Lee Morgan was born on January 6th, 1989 in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Derrick grew up in Coatesville, attending Coatesville High School. Derrick was working toward a degree in science, technology and culture at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Follow, if you will, through the jump to read and see more Derrick Morgan awesomeness.
HIGH SCHOOL
As a senior team captain at Coatesville High, Derrick was a first team All-State selection and the League Defensive Player of the Year after totaling 7 sacks, 6 TFL, 47 total tackles and recovering 2 fumbles. Derrick also carried the rock 112 times as a RB, totaling 523 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Coming out of high school, Derrick was rated the #12 DE in the nation by Scout.com, #76 overall player in the nation by Rivals.com, and he was Rivals' #1 player from the state of Pennsylvania. Derrick enrolled in classes at Georgia Tech in January of 2007 so that he would be able to participate in spring practice.
COLLEGE
As a true freshman at Georgia Tech during the 2007 season, Derrick played in 12 of 13 games. recording 9 total tackles including 4 solo and 1.5 for loss. Derrick also saw limited action lining up as a tight end during the '07 season.
The 2008 season saw our newest stud defensive lineman solidify his rightful position as starting defensive end for all 13 games. During the '08 season, Derrick led all Tech defensive linemen with 51 tackles, ranked 2nd on the team and 8th in the ACC with 7 sacks, had 9.5 tackles for loss, recovered 4 fumbles (good enough to rank 2nd in the nation), broke up 3 passes and even blocked a field goal. Derrick even had a rushing attempt on a fake punt against LSU in the Chick-Fil-A bowl. The ACC Defensive Linemen of the Week for the week of Oct 13th? Derrick Morgan. He was named the DLOTW after recording 10 tackles, 2.5 sacks and blocked the potential game tying field goal with 3 seconds remaining FTW!
Then comes 2009. Derrick finished his junior season 52 tackles including 12.5 sacks and also forced 2 fumbles.
You: "But GRam...these numbers are great and all, but did Derrick receive any recognition for his efforts?"
Me: "He sure did. What, you ask? Well, we all love a good list!!"
How about:
- 2009 Atlantic Coast Conference Defensive Player of the Year
- 2009 First Team All-ACC
- 2009 Associated Press First Team All-American
- 2009 Pro Football Weekly First Team All-American
- 2009 Scout.com First Team All-American
After his junior year, Derrick decided that he was finished dominating the ACC and that he was ready to be a Tennessee Titan. NFL, here we come!
Derrick measured 6'3" and 270 pounds, and ran a 4.72 40 yard dash at the 2010 NFL Combine.
You: "That's great and all GRam, but I am tired of all these words. Show me some Derrick Morgan YouTube awesomeness!!"
Me: "You sure are talkative today. Here we go...."
THE YOUTUBES
Let's start with the highlights from Georgia Tech's ACC Championship Game victory (with just enough triple option to melt ADub's face off!!) We are watching that big #91:
What's that? It's 4th and 1? And Clemson's cheatin' bammer Head Coach Dabo Swinney has C.J. Spiller in the backfield? Well, that's obvious. We're going for this one:
BOOYAH!
Let's do one more. And watch Derrick show Virginia what it means to be stuntin'
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
General Manager Mike Reinfeldt:
We got a really high player on our board at a position of need. … There were a lot of tense moments, but at the end of the day it turned out just like we hoped it would.’
Titan Scout Cole Proctor:
He comes off the ball and he is going to chase sideline to sideline,I just think he is going to reach the top. … He is a steady player who gives you all he’s got every time the ball is snapped. I’ve never seen him let down.
New Tennessee Titan Derrick Morgan:
Tennessee is a great situation for me. Looking at what they do on defense and how their ends get after the quarterback, it's a real ideal situation.
I want to make an immediate impact. I don't want to take a backseat to anybody. I want to jump right in and get in the mix of things
Welcome to Nashville, Derrick!
GO TITANS!
Info taken from:
Derrick Morgan at Wikipedia.org
Derrick Morgan at ramblinwreck.cstv.com
Derrick Morgan at youtube.com
