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2013 Virginia Football Roster Profile: Kye Morgan

We're down to just 36 days until BYU comes to Charlottesville. 36 means Kye Morgan. Morgan is talented RB, but is behind some more talented, more experienced RBs on the depth chart. But Morgan is young and will get his chances. This year, he may get a chance to return some kicks, and he could excel in that role. In a couple of years, he'll likely be competing for touches as a third-down back.

By Paul Guttman

Position: RB
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 175
Hometown: Somerset, Nj
High School: Franklin HS
Year: RS Freshman

Kye Morgan chose the Hoos over offers from Rutgers, Boston College, Cincinnati and a handful of others. While he played RB and DB in HS, he was recruited almost entirely as a RB. He was rated a 3 star RB by Scout and Rivals and a 2 star Athlete by ESPN. He was ranked the #41 RB in the nation by Rivals and #48 by Scout. ESPN ranked him the #155 Athlete.

Morgan's style is that of a bigger back, very north-south. He's fast, but does not possess elite speed. He's more quick than fast, but doesn't run like it. Because of this, I'm not sure if he can handle the load of being an every down back. At this point in his career, he'd be better as a third down back or occasional substitute. Morgan has solid receiving skills, but probably isn't much of a blocker as he wasn't often asked to block in HS.

Morgan's limitations are not a big deal right now. He has a lot of potential as a RB, but isn't likely to get many touches there this season. With the departure of Clifton Richardson, Morgan is the 3rd string RB. With Tiquan ‘Smoke' Mizzell coming in, Morgan may get bumped down to 4th string. Kevin Parks is going to be the primary back, and Khalek Shepherd is going to be the primary 3rd down back.

For the time being, Morgan may get some chances to return kicks. His running style is actually pretty conducive to being a return man. He's a one-cut runner, so if he can find a path through the initial line of pursuers, he has the speed and ability to make a big return. He isn't likely to be one of the primary return men, but he may get a chance there depending on how others are performing in the role.

For now, Morgan bides his time behind some more experienced players. In a couple of years, when Parks and Shepherd are gone, Morgan will have his shot. That shot may be composed mostly of third-down chances, because Smoke is expected to be the primary back by then. Therefore, it is in Morgan's best interest to work on his receiving skills and his blocking.

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