Jackson Morris
Pope John Paul II High senior football standout Jackson Morris recently signed a letter-of-intent to continue his education and playing career at the University of Tennessee.Pictured at the signing are: (seated, L to R) Jackson’s mother Tina Morris, Jackson Morris, Jackson’s father Matthew Morris, (standing) Jackson’s grandmother Tommie Jaco, Jackson’s sister Kelsey Morris and PJP II head football coach Justin Geisinger.
Pope John Paul II High senior football standout Jackson Morris recently signed a letter-of-intent to continue his education and playing career at the University of Tennessee.
He will be a preferred walk-on, giving him a a place on the roster. The roster is limited to 105 players between the start of fall camp and the first game (or the start of school, whichever comes first), but he will not initially be a scholarship player.
“I’m very excited to play for the Volunteers next year, and I hope to be able to do what I can in the kicking game to help improve the program,” Morris said. “I love that school, and I can’t wait to be up there playing with some of the best football players and coaches in the nation.”
Morris already has his sights set on earning playing time as a freshman.
“I hope to win the kickoff job next year and give the Vols an extra tool to help win a national championship,” Morris said.
Former Tennessee placekicker James Wilhoit – a Hendersonville High alum – has been working with Morris during his career through private lessons and camps.
“James has been a great mentor and also a great coach,” Morris said. “He taught me the best possible technique, and without him, I would not be where I am today. I want to thank him for everything he has done.”
Morris made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts and 29 of 31 point-after touchdown (PAT) kicks during his senior year.
He made four of his six field-goal attempts of distances of 40 yards and further.
Morris also averaged 29.3 yards per punt, five of which resulted in an opponent’s field position inside the 20 yard line.
His longest punt covered 58 yards.
Tennessee currently has an 8-4 record and will face 12th-ranked Northwestern (Ill.) University in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1.
Morris will join three other Sumner County products on the Volunteer roster – current sophomore tailback Jalen Hurd, sophomore wide receiver Josh Malone and freshman long snapper Riley Lovingood. Senior defensive back David Priddy – a Hendersonville High product – is graduating.
Reach Chris Brooks at cbrooks@tennessean.com or at 615-575-7118. Follow him on Twitter @CB_SumnerSports.