Morris refuses to be satisfied as he pushes himself and his players

Morris says Watkins has a lot of work to do to reach the bar he set in 2011

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Wed Apr 17 23:49:24 GMT-04:00 2013

Chad Morris Chad Morris
Offensive Coordinator / QBs
View Full Profile wanted to be an actuary before deciding that coaching football would better fill his need for competition and drive for success.

I bet he would also make a pretty good NASCAR driver, simply because his foot is always on the accelerator.

Morris’ HUNH continues to set records, and the pieces are in pace for a record-breaking 2013, but listening to Morris break down his offense following Saturday’s spring game would have you believe that The Chad simply hopes his group can somehow sneak into double digits each game.

Morris was interested an spectator Saturday – Jeff ScottJeff Scott
Assistant Coach / WRs / Recruiting Coordinator
View Full Profile called the plays for the White and Tony ElliottTony Elliott
Assistant Coach / Running Backs
View Full Profile called the plays for the Orange – and Morris said he wished the tempo could have been even faster.

“We are trying to go as fast as we can,” he said, “When you split the squads, it’s kind of hard but I thought we could go even faster. When you don’t have too many backups, it kind of slows things down. I thought Coach Scott and Coach Elliott called both sides really well. I just went back and forth offering suggestions. I enjoyed watching those guys.”

Morris then gave a little bit of credit to the players, but still hinted that there was room for improvement across the board.

“We saw some guys play hard,” Morris said. “What I did see is that we have a long way to go, but we knew that.”

Junior backup quarterback Cole StoudtCole Stoudt
Jr. Quarterback
#8 6-5, 205
Dublin, OH
View Full Profile set a Clemson spring game record with 304 passing yards and four touchdown passes but Morris didn’t let Stoudt or even Tajh BoydTajh Boyd
RS Sr. Quarterback
#10 6-1, 225
Hampton, VA
View Full Profile off the hook.

“Cole’s had a really good spring,” Morris said. “He’s gotten a lot better. Again, they have a long way to go. We all have a long way to go. Tajh Boyd has a long way to go to get to the level that we want to be at and play at and get this thing going.”

Sammy WatkinsSammy Watkins
Jr. Wide Receiver
#2 6-1, 205
Fort Myers, FL
View Full Profile caught seven passes for 156 yards in Clemson fans’ first look at Watkins at his new boundary receiver spot, but Morris declined to praise the rising junior’s performance.

“He dropped a couple balls, and he should have went up and challenged a couple other balls,” Morris said. “Straight-and-to-the-point, he’s got a lot of work to do if he wants to pick up where he was his freshman year and pick up where Nuk (Hopkins) left off.”

Clemson’s entire receiving corps posted solid numbers in the scrimmage - Martavis BryantMartavis Bryant
Jr. Wide Receiver
#1 6-5, 200
Calhoun Falls, SC
View Full Profile had seven catches for 110 yard, Adam HumphriesAdam Humphries
Jr. Wide Receiver
#13 5-11, 190
Spartanburg, SC
View Full Profile had two for 77 yards and Charone PeakeCharone Peake
Jr. Wide Receiver
#19 6-3, 200
Moore, SC
View Full Profile had eight for 51 yards.

“Charone Peake had a good day – Adam Humphries,” Morris said. “(Redshirt freshman) Germone HopperGermone Hopper
RS Fr. Wide Receiver
#5 6-0, 175
Charlotte, NC
View Full Profile had a decent day. He had too many drops. That’s something he needs to get cleared up through the course of the summer. You have Martavis Bryant making some really good catches. We have some great receivers.”

Morris reserved a tiny bit of praise for freshman tight end Jordan LeggettJordan Leggett
Fr. Tight End
#16 6-6, 235
Navarre, FL
View Full Profile , but also gave the youngster a game plan for what he needs to work on before fall camp.

“We keep talking about Jordan Leggett, and he is going to be special,” he said. “But he needs to learn to be physical and play physical, and that will complete his game. He can run and he can catch, but has to be more physical.”