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Published Thursday, November 20, 2008 in Sports

Q and A: Morris' stock rising at Air Force

(Editor's Note: Times-Herald Sports Writer Tony Jones talked on Wednesday with former Northgate Viking standout Andre Morris. The outside linebacker has made 27 tackles, forced a fumble, made an interception, and recorded a sack this season. The Air Force Academy sophomore discussed his season and his team's 8-3 record.)

Jones: Congratulations on a fine season. I don't believe many thought Air Force would be 8-3 at this time of the year.

Morris: We lost a ton of seniors last season. We were picked sixth or seventh in every Mountain West poll. But we knew we had players that could execute and get things done. Our season has been a tremendous success.

Jones: The only downer would be the 33-27 loss to Navy that will more than likely deny you the Commander in Chief trophy.

Morris: We may not win that this year, but the future looks bright. We have a very young team.

Jones: I would think a highlight of your season was the interception against Army, since former Northgate players Greg Spencer and Zack Peterson were playing for the Cadets.

Morris: I was making a run at their quarterback when a teammate of mine tipped the ball. I saw the ball floating in the air and made a play for it. It felt good, especially since it was against Army and Greg, Zack, and possibly Joey Poropatic were watching.

Jones: You face TCU this weekend. You guys are only yielding 19 points a game but this will be a tough team to contain.

Morris: We will have to be ready to play. They have a polished offense. TCU is well coached and they make few mistakes. They attack in many different ways.

Jones: You are part of a defense that has held some teams down. You held Wyoming to three points, Army to seven, and San Diego State and New Mexico to 10 points each.

Morris: We've had our moments and we gave Utah a severe scare. We lost to them in the last minute and Utah is a team that can play with anyone.

Jones: You are now 6 foot 3, 225. But I thought you weighed 235 earlier in the season?

Morris: I was at 235 at the start of the season and I feel better when I'm between 230-235. But out here it's hard to keep the weight on.

Jones: Those tight ends you face may look at you and not realize how physical of a player you can be.

Morris: And I see my share of 6'5", 260-pound tight ends. But that's okay. I've never backed down from a huge tight end or tackle.

Jones: You are a Social Science major. How are classes coming?

Morris: Very well. I'm still taking my core classes. You face less military as you move up in rank. I'm not having to do all the freshman stuff and I can focus on studying.

Jones: Troy Calhoun is now your coach. How did Northgate head coach Bill Luckie prepare you for the college game and a college head coach?

Morris: I first have to say that Luckie is a great man. I would not be here without him. I think of him as my mentor. He's honest and he gave the most sincere advice while I was under his direction. Luckie is an exceptional coach but even a better person. I was fortunate to play for him, defensive coordinator Casey Smith and offensive coordinator Chad Frazier.

Jones: Tell me about Coach Calhoun. Former Viking Carson Bird seemed to enjoy playing for him.

Morris: Coach Calhoun is awesome. He knows football. He's aware of everything. If you missed a tackle or an assignment, he knows about it. But he's fair. Coach Calhoun wants the team to succeed.

Jones: The season is winding down. Last year you guys landed in the Armed Forces Bowl in Dallas. What are you hearing about this year?

Morris: The Armed Forces Bowl is again a strong possibility. And that wouldbe fine. We also may end up in San Diego at the Poinsettia Bowl or perhaps in New Mexico playing in the New Mexico Bowl.

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