PLAYER SPOTLIGHT – ANDRE MORRIS JR.

Ht: 6-3

Wt: 235

Pos: Outside Linebacker

Class: Jr.

No.: 36

Hometown: Newnan, Ga.

High School: Northgate

Nickname: King

2009 stats: 59 tackles (third-most on team), including 29 solo stops and 6.5 tackles for losses; 1 interception; 3 fumbles recovered; 2 fumbles forced.

Notable: Made his first career start in September of his freshman year at BYU, less than six months removed from high school. Started 11 of 13 games last season and 11 of 12 regular-season games this season. He missed the Wyoming game in October after suffering a mild concussion against TCU. Morris earned four letters in football and basketball and two in golf at Northgate High – the same high school that produced 2008 academy graduate Carson Bird, who earned all-Mountain West Conference honors as cornerback in 2007. Morris also played quarterback in high school.

Why to watch him: One of the most physically impressive athletes on the Falcons’ roster, combining size, speed and agility, Morris began to realize his vast potential this season. Has the ability to make big plays in a variety of ways – in coverage, run support and rushing the passer. And he’ll be a key player in today’s game against high-powered Houston. “This is a game he’s got to show up and play,” defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter said. “For our defense to be effective, he’s got to be an effective guy, both in the (pass) rush and dropping in our disguise stuff.”

Coach’s quote: “He’s finishing his third year in the defense, so because of that you ought to really, really see him consistently, game-in, game-out where he’s a terror. And that’s got to happen next year as a senior for him.”– Air Force coach Troy Calhoun

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