Senior Gameday Program Feature - Mitch Morse
9/18/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
Mitch Morse
By Jay Wallis, Mizzou Strategic Communications
Playing on the offensive line requires a football player to learn and sharpen many different skills alongside four other men trying to accomplish the same task using slightly altered approaches. These linemen must have the proper stance and balance. They must have a swift and powerful first step. They must perform a multitude of blocks for both the pass and run. They must properly align next to the other linemen.
Mitch Morse is showcasing all of these abilities at his third position in the last three years.
"You have to come in with the mindset that whatever you need to do to help the team win, you will do," Morse said. "I could have been like, `oh, woe is me. I have to learn a new position now.' But I have developed a team-first mindset that has really helped me transition between positions."
During his redshirt season in 2010, Morse established himself as a player who would have this mentality during his time with the team. Coach Gary Pinkel has been known to call him, "a company man," as the lineman regularly does what is in the best interest of the team.
"Every time I play football, I focus on coming in and saying, `alright, this is what I need to do to help the team be successful,'" Morse said.
After playing in all 13 games as a redshirt freshman, Morse became a starter for the first time during Mizzou's inaugural season in the SEC. He began as the starting center, but due to the injury bug taking down many of his fellow offensive linemen, Morse showed his value and diversity by moving a few spots over to right tackle.
"I don't really like any position over the other," Morse said. "I just go with the flow. As long as I am playing and helping contribute for the team, then I like what I am doing."
Right tackle became his sole position for the entire 2013 season, a year in which Mizzou went 11-1 in the regular season, claimed their first SEC Eastern Division title and won the Cotton Bowl. That team showcased one of the most improved offenses in the NCAA, and Morse said everything seemed to click at the right time for the O-line.
"I think we were collectively five guys who cared about each other and brought a solidified mentality to each week of preparation. We were what we are supposed to be--five guys on a string. We focused on getting better every single practice, and it showed in the games."
Morse has now moved for possibly the last time in his collegiate career, replacing former Tiger Justin Britt as the starting left tackle. Early in this year's Mizzou Football camp, Morse's teammates voted him one of the four players who will represent the team as captains. The 6-6, 305-pound offensive lineman said he realizes being a captain and leader will require him to learn from his predecessors and accept a heightened responsibility.
"Tim Barnes was a great guy for the few months I got to work with him," Morse said. "Elvis Fisher also helped me out a lot. It was just great having a lot of guys I was able to talk to about football and about life in general. I've seen so many leaders come in here and do such a great job showing the way. There's a blueprint in place for me, but also some big shoes to fill. I'm ready for the challenge."
With his understanding of so many different positions, Morse seems like someone who has been an offensive lineman for a long time. The Austin, Texas, native, though, hasn't always played on the line and didn't even start playing tackle football until his freshman year of high school. Focusing on basketball up to that point, Morse spent his first year at St. Michael's Academy playing quarterback and was slotted as the JV quarterback his sophomore year before his coaches decided to move him to the O-line.
Did playing quarterback help Morse better understand the position?
"Absolutely not," Morse said with a laugh. "I had no idea what was going on at that point. It was a week-to-week thing, and I wasn't very football smart back then. If anything, it did help me really start to enjoy the game and not get burnt out, so I still love to play football right now."
Morse is finishing up his time at Mizzou with a bright future ahead of him. He was named to the 2012 and 2013 SEC Academic Honor Roll after being named to the 2011 Academic All-Big 12 first team. As a three-year starter who can play multiple positions and who has shown patience, power, and doggedness, Morse has a legitimate chance to follow in Justin Britt's footsteps and find a place in the NFL.
"Whatever happens, happens," Morse said about life after college. "If football works out, that's great. If it doesn't, I've had way too much fun playing football and getting to know my teammates along the way. It has opened doors that would have never been open to me before. Like I said, I just kind of go with the flow and live in the moment. Right now, I'm loving playing Mizzou Football."
