The running back depth is being tested a bit early on this season for Arizona State, and since there seems to be no reason to push the envelope against Northern Arizona on Saturday night, the result of this conservatism may be a boon for former Phoenix St. Mary’s standout James Morrison.
Morrison was an ASU walk-on, moreso because the supporting cast at St. Mary’s struggled, but given the chance to play at the Division I level (granted, it’s been mostly exhibitions and practices) he’s flourished early and often.
At 5-foot-8, 210 pounds, Morrison added about 10 pounds from his senior season, when he rushed for 800 yards (nearly eight yards per carry), 130 yards receiving, nine touchdowns, returned kicks and was a solid defensive back.
He had breakaway speed and strength his junior and senior years in high school, but only started in the backfield the final three games of his junior year as an injury replacement, and the Knights had few options surrounding him as a senior.
The plan was to redshirt as a freshman, and that could still happen, but in time, he has all the makings of a legitimate Division I player.
