Stanley Morgan Jr., WR, Nebraska #8
6001, 201, 4.51
Notes: From New Orleans, LA. Has always been very close to his mother. His father, Stanley Morgan Sr. (not the former Patriots All-Pro receiver), has been in prison since he was 11-years-old, and the two have maintained occasional contact. Highly recruited by several SEC schools and other major programs out of high school, but only visited Nebraska. Played in all 13 games with 3 starts, caught 25 passes for 304 yards (12.2 avg.) and 3 touchdowns, and averaged 23.1 on 14 kickoff returns, as a freshman in 2015. Played in all 13 games with 9 starts and caught 33-453-2 (13.7 avg.) in 2016, with a long of 72 yards. Was arrested in Port Orange, Florida, in May 2017 for possession of felony amounts of marijuana. The charge was later dropped to a misdemeanor, then completely dismissed in July of 2017, after he attended a drug treatment program. Played in 11 games, missed one due to injury, and caught 61-986-10 (16.2 avg.), with a long of 80, in 2017. His receiving yardage eclipsed Johnny Rodgers' 1972 Cornhusker receiving record of 942 yards.
Positives: Natural pure athlete. Strong, tough and physical. Knows how to use his body to shield defenders from the ball. Adjusts to and high-points the ball nicely. Fluid pass catcher. Tracks the ball well. Good quickness out of his breaks and can create separation. Good deep speed, gets behind defenders and can make big plays. Good eye-hand coordination. Makes some impressive grabs. Can catch inside and make tough catches in traffic. Good stiff-arm in the open field. Dangerous runner after the catch. Has competed against top-flight competition and been productive.
Negatives: Somewhat lackadaisical and cradles the ball at times. Has had bouts of inconsistency catching the ball. Somewhat inconsistent shaking press coverage at the line of scrimmage.
Summary: Doesn't have truly elite speed or explosiveness, but is a smooth, natural, all-around receiver. Did not play with a top-flight quarterback most of his college career, and could be a better pro player with a good NFL supporting cast.
