Our Man Joe

Small Division II schools aren’t exactly known for producing much in the way of NFL talent, but the Saints have a history of finding talent at these types of schools. Hofstra, Colgate, Bloomberg, Tiffin, these are the names of small and relatively unnoticed schools where the Saints have found starters and significant playmakers. This preseason, rookie receiver Joe Morgan looks poised to continue this run of finding pro talent from mostly unknown schools.

Undrafted rookie WR Joe Morgan was brought in by the Saints to compete for a possible roster spot as a special teams player, mostly due to his skill as a kick returner at Division II Walsh College. Throughout training camp he has shown promise, but no amount of practice can accurately show how a player from a small school will handle the pressure of the bright lights and full speed of a NFL game. Morgan has shown little signs of stage fright.

In his first game as a Saint Morgan was impressive as a returner, showing a decisiveness and vision that some veteran returners lack. After some descent punt returns, Joe got his moment to shine when he returned a San Francisco punt 78 yards for a touchdown. On the play he showed great speed and elusiveness, running forcefully. While this was an impressive play, a single big play doesn’t make a roster. But Joe had an encore in store.

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On the first pass attempt from back up QB Chase Daniels against the Houston Texans, Morgan showed he is more than a one trick pony. After making several solid returns with the first team special teams unit, Joe got his chance to show what he could do at receiver. It was a deep route against the Texans first team defense and Morgan ran it perfectly. He blew through the defensive backfield and caught a beautifully thrown pass for a 56 yard touchdown. Two games, two big play touchdowns, is a pattern forming?

Joe Morgan has made national highlight reels for two consecutive weeks now, has been earning extra playing time in games and extra reps in practice. Has he done enough to make the 53 man roster? Could he be the next great out-of-nowhere diamond in the rough star? Well it is still too early to say for sure. What can be said is this; he has been nothing if not impressive. Joe’s talent and athletic ability have gotten his name in print and brought him to the coaches’ attention. With two more preseason games left to play, if he can continue to progress in his knowledge of the offense and make plays in the return game, Joe Morgan may have found himself a home in New Orleans.

By Ian Smith
ProFootball-fans.com New Orleans Saints Correspondent