Former Bolingbrook HS Student an NFL Hopeful

From the Valley View CUSD 365 U

A former Bolingbrook High School football player is being touted as one of the top linebackers eligible for the April 28 National Football League draft and is expected to go to an NFL team somewhere in the first five rounds.

Antonio Morrison, who graduated a semester early from BHS in 2012, finished his career at the University of Florida as a two-time All-Southeastern Conference pick, leading the Gators in tackles last fall while coming back from multiple surgeries on his left knee to repair an injury from the 2014 Birmingham Bowl.

“The fact he played at all this fall was a tribute to his work ethic…which was on full display as he recovered two to three months ahead of schedule and in time for start of the season,” said NFL.com in their draft preview, adding he is “always in attack mode. Uses explosive hips to launch into his tackles with as much force as he can. Can turn, swivel and close ground with good change of direction. Was one of the best tackle finishers in the game in 2014.”
NFL.com writers describe Morrison as “ultra competitive with unmatched intensity. Plus lateral quickness. Has burst to beat offensive lineman to a spot.

Not content to sit back and wait on a play. Plays with extraordinary balance and is very rarely off his feet. Could become interesting blitz option as a pro. Refuses to stop pursuing until he hears the whistle.”

CBS sports projects the 6-1, 232-pound former Raider as a top-60 draft pick and says he is “arguably the most intense player at the college level…played at a very high level as a senior.”

The media mogul adds “fit and trim body type with a strong upper half…great job bringing himself to balance on the move to break down and finish in space. Quick read/react skills once he smells blood in the water. Violent striker, lowering his pads and driving through his man, rarely missing tackles.”

According to USA Today’s Draft Wire, “what coaches will love about Morrison is his physicality, energy, and burst to the football. He flies around the field in pursuit of the ball, never hesitant to lay the wood to a blocker or a ball carrier. The feisty mentality of the linebacker is contagious to his unit, as Morrison sets the Gators tone on and off the field. He’s a three-year, all-academic athlete who has garnered all the character accolades in existence while at Florida…Morrison is going to bring all the desired intangibles to the table for whatever team gives him a shot in the NFL.”

Via Valley View CUSD 365 U