St. Joe receiver Demetrius Morrow grows into the mold

Demetrius Morrow

Updated: October 14, 2012 1:32PM

ELMHURST

Growing up, St. Joseph junior Demetrius Morrow always loved playing football with his friends.

He never played the sport competitively, however, until his freshman year in high school.

“I wanted to play for a long time, but my mom didn’t really want me playing football,” Morrow said. “She was worried. It was something I had to talk her into doing when I got to high school.”

Morrow proved a quick learner.

After playing a key role in St. Joseph winning a conference championship at the sophomore level last season, he’s now demonstrating his skills in his first varsity campaign.

He caught eight passes for 90 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ 30-12 loss to Gordon Tech in the Chicago Catholic Red opener for both teams Friday at Elmhurst College.

St. Joseph (0-3) scored its other touchdown on an interception return by senior Aaron Bell.

“It feels good to be able to contribute to the team, but you can’t do it by yourself,” Morrow said. “Our quarterback Casey Scalise puts the ball right where only I can get it and the offensive line does a good job for us. Everyone has to contribute.”

When Morrow arrived at St. Joseph, he had no experience. However, he did possess a natural talent to punt.

“Freshman year, I would not have called myself much of a receiver,” Morrow said. “I didn’t have any fundamentals or anything since it was my first year playing. Punting was something that came right away for me. I don’t understand how I got it, but it just came to me and I plan on sticking with it.”

Morrow averaged 35 yards a punt against Gordon Tech.

“He’s done what we kind of expected him to do,” St. Joseph coach Anthony Griffin said. “We want him to be a consistent wide receiver and be able to change field position for us in the kicking game, which he has done pretty well. The sky is the limit for the young man if he works hard. He’s a hard worker and has some potential.”

Morrow believes he possesses all the traits of a great receiver. He’ll have the opportunity to put it to the test at 7 p.m. Friday when the Chargers travel to face one of the best programs in the state, Mount Carmel.

“I would say the most obvious reason (for my success) is my height,” Murrow said. “I’m 6-3 and have a 79-inch wing span. I can reach up and get the ball even if it’s slightly overthrown. I’m pretty quick and elusive and can slip behind people. I also have good concentration where I look the ball into my hands and don’t drop many passes.”

Murrow credits the support system the players have at St. Joseph and feels fortunate Griffin’s in his corner.

Now, he plans to work on reaching a lofty goal.

“I just want to be one of the best receivers to ever come out of this school,” Morrow said. “Ever since I came to this school and became a receiver, that was my goal and I plan on accomplishing that.” ~.

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