Tigers Sign Two Impressive JUCO Linebackers |
CLEMSON - When Kelvin Morris suits up for Clemson in 2002, those who remember
him from high school may have a hard time recognizing the former state prep star. On the field and off. Morris, the former Timmonsville High School standout who originally committed to Clemson during his senior season (1999-2000), signed his letter of intent Wednesday night to complete his college football career with the Tigers. He was to fax the letter to Clemson early today. He has two years of eligibility remaining, and said he will begin taking classes at Clemson on Jan. 14 Morris spent the last two seasons playing outside linebacker at Southwest Mississippi Community College, where he lined up along side former Lower Richland High standout Brandon Jamison. Jamison also signed with Clemson Wednesday, and faxed his letter to the CU administrative offices the same afternoon. Morris held a small signing ceremony at the home of his high school coach, Bill Tate, Wednesday evening. Speaking after the signing, Morris said he remained solid with Clemson despite pressure from other schools. "South Carolina came hard to try and change his mind," Morris said. "Some Mississippi schools tried to get me, too, but it was easy to stay with Clemson. I knew were I was going." Getting there proved to be the difficult part. Academically unable to qualify after committing to Clemson in 1999, Morris was forced to go the junior college route. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise, for not only has Morris matured physically - his 220-pound frame is 30 pounds heavier than his high school playing weight - he also has made dramatic strides in the classroom. And while the academic improvement is a great source of pride for Morris, it's a bittersweet accomplishment. "This is what I could have been doing instead of messing around in high school," he said. "All I could think about then was playing football or basketball." Morris expects to step in and immediately challenge for a starting linebacker spot when spring practice rolls around. At 6-foot-3 and with a 4.4 40-yard dash time under his belt, Morris has the potential to be the type of defensive playmaker Clemson desperately needs. "I bring quickness, speed and an ability to get to the ball," Morris said of his abilities. "I feel like I can make the big plays. We had a great defensive coach (Charles Anthony) in junior college, and he taught me how important it is to always keep my motor running." Morris was named the defensive player of the year in his region after recording 65 tackles (20 for loss), 10 sacks and 4 interceptions. Where Morris is speed, Jamison is power. The Hopkins native joined Morris at Southwest Mississippi after a standout career at Lower Richland, which saw him earn All-State honors in 1999. Some scouting services had Jamison ranked as the state's top linebacker that season, and one newspaper ranked him the sixth best overall player in South Carolina. In 2001, Jamison had 31 tackles and 2 sacks when he suffered a broken collarbone. Last year in a full season he recorded 101 tackles with 6 tackles for loss. "Sky is the limit," said Jamison's former high school coach David Moore. "This kid could play in the NFL now. No telling what’s going to happen once he gets to Clemson." Jamison wasn't home Wednesday evening and did not return phone messages left at his residence. Reported 2002 Football Commitments 1 LB Cory Groover 6-3 235 Hannah-Pamplico HS 2 LB Brandon Jamison 6-2 220 SW Miss JUCO (Signed) 3 LB Kelvin Morris 6-3 225 SW Miss JUCO (Signed) 4 DL Randy Jackson 6-4 275 GA Military JUCO 5 QB Will Proctor 6-3 190 Winter Park, FL 6 LB Anthony Walters 6-3 205 Lake View, SC 7 DE Irvin Brisker 6-7 240 Conyers, GA 8 ATH Gerald McCloud 6-3 185 Jacksonville, FL 9 WR Tymere Zimmerman 6-4 208 Fork Union Prep 10 OL Roman Fry 6-4 255 Ironton, OH 11 OL Timothy Debeer 6-6 260 Atlanta, GA 12 P/PK Cole Chason 6-0 165 Roswell, GA
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