Former Mustang David Morgan invited to exclusive NFL combine

JENNIFER FIERRO • STAFF WRITER

ATLANTA — Marble Falls High School graduate David Morgan has spent most of his teenage years preparing for the job interview of his life: the NFL Draft.

The 2011 alumnus played tight end for the University of Texas at San Antonio then moved to Atlanta on Jan. 3 to focus on nothing but scoring his very best in the drills teams put athletes through weeks before the draft.

Morgan took a giant step toward that dream, however, when he recently announced he had received an exclusive invitation to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine. It will be televised Feb. 26-29 on the NFL Network. Tight ends will be shown Feb. 27.    

“I was super excited,” he said. “It’s a big step to go in front of everyone. It was a big moment for me. It was special.”

Morgan was one of 350 choice prospects invited to the combine. Even some players who received fourth- or fifth-round grades didn’t get invites. That illustrates how grueling the selection process can be.

Twenty-one NFL scouts looked at each senior in each position who entered the draft and voted on who they wanted to invite to the combine.

Since spots remained, the scouts examined the juniors who entered the draft in each position and voted again on which ones they wanted to see at the combine.

But because spots were still available, the scouts combed through the remaining seniors.

Morgan didn’t make the first cut, but he made the second.

“There was nothing I could do to persuade them,” he said. “They don’t let outsiders persuade them. I  didn’t worry about it; it was something out of my hands.”

But that didn’t mean the big moment was lost on Morgan once he read the email from the NFL. He immediately called his family with the news then let others know. And then instantly, his training intensity went up a notch.

After all, the results of his testing in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, vertical jump, bench press of 225 pounds, three-cone drill and position-specific drills determine whether he’s drafted or signs as an undrafted free agent. And that also means the amount of money in his first contract.

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that Morgan has seen very little of Atlanta, the city he has lived in since early January.

“I don’t go out and do too much,” he said.

He’s at the gym by 9 a.m. where he eats a power breakfast then begins agility and quickness exercises. At 12:30 p.m., he grabs lunch then starts his weightlifting sessions. By 5 p.m., he’s back home, showers, eats dinner and climbs into bed to stay off his feet as much as possible.

“Once I leave workouts, I’m resting 100 percent,” he said.

As a three-year varsity Mustang, Morgan was an all-district receiver, catching just about every pass thrown his way. Few players had the strength to fight off a defensive back at the line of scrimmage.

As a Roadrunner, Morgan was considered the ideal tight end. He could block well and catch passes in traffic. As a result, he was a named to numerous all-American squads.

But as Morgan prepares for a possible professional career, the stakes have risen again. He noted that in high school, he and most of his close friends, such as New Orleans Saints offensive lineman Cyril Lemon and former Angelo State linebacker Austin Sparks, could all be found in the weight room preparing for the season when few people were watching. After that they made their way to the track or on the playing field at Mustang Stadium to run or go through pass routes with former quarterback Zed Woerner, now a starter at Tarleton State University.

At UTSA, Morgan was one of several players who typically stood 6 feet or taller, had speed, strength and made few mistakes.

As a pro athlete, there are no secrets, no short cuts and definitely no magic formula to make a roster, he said.

His agent, former NFL tight end Ben Hartsock, who is now with Priority Sports and Entertainment, has given his instruction and advice when he and Morgan meet. Hartsock’s experience in the NFL was one reason Morgan chose to sign with him.

“How much he could help me, having done everything that I’m doing,” the former Mustang said. “I’ve had his guidance to help me through this process.”

As for the NFL Draft, which is April 28-30, Morgan said he plans to be back in Texas to watch with friends and family, though he wasn’t sure where.

One of his former teammates will be interested to see the draft, too.

“I think David is going to do well in the NFL,” Lemon said. “I think he has a great chance to get drafted. And he will play if he stays.”

jfierro@thepicayune.com