Quirky receiver boosts squad’s morale

The smallest player on the football team, while brandishing a tough exterior and big play-making abilities, also has an upbeat personality that resonates deeply among his cohorts.

Wide receiver Jordan Morrow, now in his sophomore season, just may be the most beloved player on the Contra Costa College football roster this season.

Coach Alonzo Carter, who refers to Morrow as "little big man," said, "(Morrow's) personality is out of this world. He always has a smile on his face and makes people laugh, even when he isn't supposed to."

Having an infectious personality is nothing out of the ordinary for Morrow. It's just him being himself.

"I've always been like this since I was a little kid," Morrow said. "The way I play, I have to have a good time and I want everyone else to have a good time too."

Carter said Morrow is the one player on the team most likely to add levity to his occasional moments of intensity.

"I'm always tense and upset. Leave it up to Jordan to change that," Carter said. "He's hands-down one of my favorite guys on the team."

Morrow said at times he attempts to calm Carter when he gets upset with the team.

"Coach is always serious and uptight, and I just have to remind him to have some patience and be cool sometimes," Morrow said.

On the field, Morrow is a menace to opposing defenses and a respected teammate to fellow Comets. Off the field, fellow players said he is a true friend.

Defensive back Malcolm Ajayi said he has known Morrow since the beginning of last season and that they have grown closer.

"I met him when he came here for a visit," Ajayi said. "We lived together for his first football season and now he's like my little brother."

The 19-year-old Morrow began playing football when he was just 10. He was a two-sport athlete at Angelo Rodriguez High School in Fairfield where he, in addition to playing football, competed on the track and field team.

"(In high school) track was my main focus," Morrow said. "I came to CCC to play football because (Carter) offered me a good opportunity, telling me that he could get me to the next level."

Morrow said his dream is to run for the track team at USC, but if he doesn't land there, he wants to attend either the University of Hawaii or San Diego State.

"He wants to go D-1 to be a return specialist. I think he can do anything with that speed. The sky's the limit," Ajayi said.

Morrow plans on being an athlete throughout college, but if a professional career does not pan out, he intends on becoming a lawyer or a sports agent. His major is liberal arts.

For a football player, a person of his 5-foot-6-inch, 155 pound stature is considered small. Yet, Morrow's teammates insist that he plays big, no matter his size.

Comet safety Clordion Kennedy said, "(Watching him) you just knew he was a playmaker. When people guard him, you know he'll run past them. You expect him to do that and make big plays."

Against Mendocino College on Oct. 1, Morrow took a handoff 43 yards down the visiting Eagles' sideline to the end zone, putting the Comets ahead 55-17 in their landslide 55-30 win over the Eagles.

Quarterback Jeffery Anderson said that the offense tries to invent ways to get the ball into Morrow's hands at least five times per game.

"He's a hard worker with big play capability," Anderson said. "He's very fast, very small and over the past two years we've created a lot of chemistry."

Anderson also said he met Morrow at a high school all-star game and that he considers Morrow a "bro for life."

His athletic ability, hard work and determination have earned him the respect of his coach as well.

Carter said, "(Morrow) is hands-down our toughest player. He does all of the dirty work and he exemplifies what we do here.

"You have to respect him. He always gives his best effort. I just want to see him be successful because he gives so much."