Clemson recruits excited about Morris and new offense

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Wed Jan 12 20:23:03 GMT-04:00 2011

New offensive coordinator Chad Morris hasn’t wasted any time in reaching some of Clemson’s prospects and commitments, even surprising a few along the way.

Mauldin offensive lineman Ryan Norton woke up Wednesday morning and was expecting another lazy snow day when his cell phone rang.

It was Morris.

“He called and just told me a lot about himself and what he brings to the offense,” Norton said. “He said that he likes to run a quick-paced offense like Oregon. He just kind of explained everything. He seemed like a great guy. I could tell he was very enthusiastic. He told me he coaches with a lot of emotion and I could tell he probably carries that onto the field. I was really caught off guard, but I wanted to talk to him. I was going to call Coach [Danny] Pearman and get his number, but he called me first.”

Norton said that Mauldin runs some of the same offensive tendencies as the spread, and he doesn’t see a difficult transition once he reaches Clemson.

“I don’t think it will be a huge transition for me, and I think it will be easier for me than say, an option attack,” Norton said. “My high school runs that type of offense, and I am used to that fast-paced kind of offense. I have always tried to stay in shape, and it’s gratifying knowing that you are wanting to go some more, and run another play, and the guy across from you is wanting to get out and he is sucking air. That is always a good feeling.”

Dorman wide receiver Charone Peake said he was expecting Morris’ call.

“Coach Swinney told me he was going to be calling,” Peake said. “I was ready for it and I really wanted to hear from him. I am excited about this offense because it gets the ball in the playmakers’ hands. With the wide receivers it is not all about the catches. He finds all kinds of ways to get the ball in our hands. He seemed like a pretty good guy, and I am excited about what he is doing.”

Wren offensive lineman Shaq Anthony said that he has done his research on Morris and likes what he sees.

“He seems like a really energetic guy,” Anthony said. “He runs that spread type of offense, and that is good for me because we have always run that kind of offense here at Wren. I am looking forward to being in that fast-paced offense. I think it’s important to be in really good shape. I don’t know if Clemson is going to change their conditioning program, but the no huddle really requires you to be able to go hard.”