Editor's Note: This article was originally published for the Game #7 Game Day Program. Morris signed an AFL contract with the Utah Blaze where he has been named their starting Mac Linebacker.
In Hollywood; they are known as a triple threat. Someone who can sing, dance and act. For the Spokane Shock, they are known as Kelvin Morris. LB Morris, 6”4’ 240, has become an integral part of the Shock’s defense that has helped the team rise to the top of the Western Division.
“He’s a multiple-threat; he can rush, he can run sideline to sideline,” Assistant Head Coach Alex Sirianni said. “As a defensive coach, when you see somebody with his size and speed you can’t ask for much more.”
Morris has used his 4.5 speed to lead the defense in scoring with five touchdowns (5th on the team overall) including a 10-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown that sealed the victory for the Shock in Week 11 at Bakersfield.
For Morris, who was nicknamed Mr. Everything in High School, he is used to showcasing his multiple talents. In his native Timmonsville, SC Morris starred at Timmonsville High in football, basketball, and baseball. As a basketball and baseball player, Morris drew interest from several local colleges. In basketball, Morris averaged 25 points per game his senior season as a small forward and shooting guard. In baseball, Morris starred as both a shortstop and a pitcher. But, it was his football talents that drew the most interest from college recruiters and helped him realize his professional athletics aspirations.
“I knew I was going to play sports professionally; I just didn’t know which one!” Morris explained.
Morris used his athletic ability on the football field at multiple positions including Quarterback, Safety, Linebacker and Kicker in high school. His senior season, Morris helped led his team to the state championship where he kicked the game-winning 38-yard field goal.
After graduating from high school in 2000, Morris enrolled at SW Mississippi Community College where he continued to excel as a linebacker. Morris recorded 71 total tackles, nine sacks, five fumbles with 20 tackles for a loss that earned him Defensive Player of the Year honors in his JUCO conference.
After two years at SW Mississippi, Morris transferred to Clemson. But after suffering a knee injury in the spring of his junior year, he felt it was in his best interest to transfer to West Georgia University where he completed his collegiate career.
His dream of becoming a professional athlete was becoming a reality.
“When I realized I could make money in this sport I became more focused on football,” Morris said.
His money-making opportunity came when he was invited training camp with the Washington Redskins. But, after a short time with the Redskins Morris was released and attended training camps with the Carolina Panthers and the Green Bay Packers only to be released.
“It was a frustrating, bouncing around from team to team,” Morris said. It was also a quick introduction the business side of football. “It wasn’t really about how good you are – it was more political,” Morris explained.
That’s when the Spokane Shock came into the picture. Morris received a phone call from his cousin Nygel Rogers (who signed with the Shock in January) who sold him on the Shock organization.
“This is the best situation in the af2,” Morris said. “The organization itself; the fans the people, this is the best.” Morris has been pleasantly surprised and said that his experience in Spokane has actually “exceeded” the expectations that Rogers laid out for him.
Morris, who had only played against his cousin before signing with the Shock, is happy to have Rogers on his team.
“It’s been fun,” Morris said, adding that Rogers’s extensive knowledge of the game has also helped him.
Morris has formed a close family bond with his other teammates as well, that he credits for the Shock’s improved play and subsequent rise to the top.
“The losses really opened our eyes up and since then we have really come together,” he explained. “We trust each other. It’s all about trusting the man beside you, really.”
Morris also credits a new found confidence that Head Coach Adam Shackleford has instilled in the team for the team’s success.
“After the losses, we didn’t panic,” Morris said. “You’re going into the game knowing that you are going to win – not hoping, but knowing. Bad things are going to happen (in a game) but good things are going too.”
Morris’ positive outlook and southern charm has endeared him to Shock fans. But is this self-confessed “country-boy” ready for Hollywood? As he continues to showcase his athletic ability, Morris has solidified himself as a triple-threat. Now, Shock fans can just sit back and enjoy the show.
Morris has also relied on the help of Head Coach Adam Shackleford and Sirianni to improve his game. “His understanding of the arena game has improved,” Shackleford said. “Coach Sirianni has made him a better linebacker.”
Although Morris has shown his versatility in a variety of positions, linebacker is clearly his favorite and where he feels he can make the biggest impact for his team.
“You can dominate the game in a lot of areas; you can stop the rush, you can stop the pass, and the QB doesn’t know what you are going to do!”
A self confessed “country boy,” the Hollywood triple threat Morris has stepped into the limelight showcasing his athletic ability. Let’s just sit back and enjoy the show.
