Marble Falls’ David Morgan drafted by Minnesota Vikings
JENNIFER FIERRO ● STAFF WRITER
HORSESHOE BAY — Surrounded by family and friends April 30, David Morgan took the call of his life.
On the other end of that phone call were Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, head coach Mike Zimmer and tight ends coach Pat Shurmur.
“Mr. Spielman said, “I hope you’re ready to be a Viking,” said the former Marble Falls Mustang and University of Texas-San Antonio tight end.
Morgan, a 2011 MFHS graduate, was selected as the No. 188 pick overall in the sixth round and final day of the NFL Draft.
“I’m excited,” Morgan said with a giant smile. “It’s been building for a long time. It was long awaited.”
Morgan is the first Marble Falls High School graduate and UTSA football player to be drafted by an NFL franchise.
“Being at UTSA, there’s a lot of firsts,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d be the first one like this. I’m going to a great team and a great program.”
Morgan’s day began at 9 a.m. with breakfast with his family, then high school and college friends began to arrive as the draft started at 10 a.m.
Morgan played Frisbee with friends and split time between the TV set and conversations with about 30 people.
He watched the fifth round indoors, then went back outside with his friends when his phone rang.
As he hung up the phone, he announced to cheers and applause, “Minnesota Vikings.”
He then returned indoors to watch the official announcement on ESPN.
The former Mustang receiver said the reason he was picked came down to what he can do on the field. He uses his hands to create separation, can jump to outleap defenders for the ball and is strong enough to carry would-be tacklers for a first down.
He caught 45 passes for 566 yards and five touchdowns last season at UTSA. He leaves the school with 85 catches for 1,104 yards and eight touchdowns.
Often times, he was double teamed but still made catches, typically in traffic.
In high school, Morgan was a football and basketball star and was named all-district as a three-year varsity starter in both sports.
As he thought back through his day, the player said he wasn’t anxious. He simply wanted a chance.
“I never really thought it was going to be here,” he said with a smile. “It’s here now; it’s awesome.”
The Vikings offensive coordinator is former Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Norv Turner, who helped Dallas win Super Bowls in three of fours years in 1993, 1994 and 1996.
The starting quarterback is Teddy Bridgewater, while the starting running back is former Palestine star Adrian Peterson.
“I’m going to learn a lot,” Morgan said. “Those are veteran guys who’ve been there long time.”
At Marble Falls Middle School, Morgan was the quarterback in the seventh grade. He moved to receiver in the eighth grade. And while he learned new positions, he never lost sight of the work. He was constantly in the weight room and on the field every chance he had to get better.
That won’t change in the NFL, he said.
“The work doesn’t stop,” he said. “I haven’t done anything in the NFL. I’m ready to get going.”
jfierro@thepicayune.com
