Eli Manning’s Ole Miss back-up David Morris making a name as QB guru
By Kevin Armstrong, New York Daily News
Morris holds a unique position in Mobile’s quarterback boom. Once a three-year reserve behind Eli Manning at Ole Miss, Morris left the game after graduation, burnt out from being one snap away for three seasons behind the immovable Manning. Morris fought depression, took a job at his father’s real estate agency and moonlighted as a throwing instructor with teenagers in town upon request. Now 33, Morris is all in on growing his program — “Quarterback Country” — into a year-round, nationwide business. His experiences range from pushing Manning through the paces in the offseason to working with Tim Tebow to readying now-Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Matt Barkley for the NFL draft. Top prospects — including University of Miami recruit Malik Rosier — tout Morris’ ability to boost their confidence and identify flaws.
“So many people use you. I’ve even had family members use me in a negative way just to benefit themselves,” McCarron says. “That bumps (Morris) up even more. He’s not trying to get interviews or TV shows. He’s just been loyal to me the whole time.”
No one’s proven more loyal to Morris than Manning. Morris walked on under coach Tommy Tuberville and earned one start with Ole Miss — at night on ESPN against rival Mississippi State — before Manning arrived a year behind him with new coach David Cutcliffe. Morris’ capable arm allowed Cutcliffe to redshirt Eli, giving Manning the opportunity to strengthen his legs before playing. On road trips and in hotels the night before games, Manning and Morris sat on the edge of beds across from each other, testing signals and play calls. Manning won every time, but competition morphed into camaraderie. Morris was at Giants Stadium for Manning’s first start. He was in Manning’s wedding in Cabo and counts lessons learned together as his most important.
“I’m happy for David that he’s doing something he truly loves,” Manning says. “I’ve had him train me, and I give him some drill work that we do. I like that he films it; I can watch it on my own. He’s a guy who watched me throw the last 14 years. With David I can call out an old college play, and he knows the read, progressions. He’s someone I’m comfortable with.”