NC State's Doeren: 'Surprised' starting QB Morris wanted to redshirt
Posted November 9, 2023 1:28 p.m. EST
Updated November 9, 2023 11:23 p.m. EST
NC State football coach Dave Doeren said his program would honor starting quarterback MJ Morris' decision to sit out the final three regular-season games of the season to preserve a year of eligibility.
But Doeren said he was "surprised" that it was even being considered after Morris took over as the Wolfpack's starter.
NC State (6-3, 3-2 in the ACC) is 3-1, including wins against Clemson and Miami, with Morris as the starting quarterback. Morris, a sophomore, will have three years of eligibility remaining. Brennan Armstrong will be the team's starter again.
"As games progressed and time went on, MJ came to me and let me know that he was still thinking about preserving his redshirt," Doeren said. "I was surprised by that because he was our starter and really didn't expect that for a starting player to want to sit back down.
"He said he wasn't sure which way to go, but he wanted me to know that was something that he was thinking about and talking with his family about. After the fourth game, he was very decisive in telling me it was important to him and his family to preserve his redshirt."
The plan entering the season had been to redshirt Morris behind Armstrong, a graduate transfer from Virginia. But when the offense struggled, Doeren made the switch, sensing his team needed a spark.
"The team needed a spark," Doeren said. "So I met with MJ, (running backs) coach (Kurt) Roper and I, and asked him if he wanted to play because I thought he could help our offense and our team. And he agreed. And we pushed forward with that plan in place and him playing."
Morris' father told WRAL on Tuesday that his son does not plan to transfer from the program.
"No one said he is leaving the program," Eddie Morris told WRAL. "Nobody said he is leaving the program. If he would have left the program, he would have left in January and he would have left in May. He had plenty of options."
Doeren said he didn't announce Morris' move during his weekly press conference Monday because he was hoping NC State "could maintain a competitive advantage in our preparation with Wake Forest having to prepare, as you've seen, for two quarterbacks."
Morris worked as the team's scout quarterback this week, running Wake Forest's plays against the first-team defense.
"He gave us a great look," Doeren said.
Doeren declined to answer questions about Morris' future with the program or other aspects of his decision after his initial statement, saying he would take questions about the Wake Forest game.
Doeren said he hoped fans would cheer for the players on the field, including Armstrong.
"There's a lot of opinions, there's a lot of storylines, there's a lot of hate," Doeren said. "Just be a good person. Cheer on these guys that are playing. Get behind them. Be excited. This team has a lot to play for."
Doeren said he is excited for Armstrong, who has been one of the team's captains throughout the season.
"Brennan has prepared and the guys are playing hard for him," he said. "He's earned a ton of respect in our program. And so it's his team now and so we're excited to see him finish the season. Like everything, it's an opportunity."
