Long Island City High School (Queens) football’s Saiquan Morris yesterday committed to play the sport at New Rochelle’s Monroe College (JUCO), he announced via Twitter.
Born in Brooklyn and now living in Jamaica, Queens, Morris, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound defensive end and defensive tackle, said the chance to continue to play the sport he loves at a higher level is not lost on him, especially given the fact that he has had limited opportunities.
“I’m glad I got this opportunity,” Morris said. “Where I come from, you don’t get these types of opportunities often. It’s good to get the opportunity to play at the next level.”
Morris said he picked Monroe, who plays in National Junior College Athletic Assocation’s (NJCAA) Region 15 Conference, because of three things: proximity to his family, a need for a new home, and overall grade improvements.
“I had to think about my family. I love my mom, dad, brother, sister and nephew,” Morris explained. “I didn’t want to be too far from them.” Plus, “I needed a home. They opened up their home with loving arms, and I wasn’t where I needed to be academically,” he continued. They were the only school that said they were going to help me academically and in life. All these schools didn’t see me for who I really am.”
Morris enjoyed a solid campaign as a Bulldog, making 15 tackles and recovering three fumbles, helping LIC to a 3-4 record, after moving up to PSAL’s competitive A Conference. But it was his presence on the defensive line against, especially against the run, that spoke volumes, he noted.
“I always made offensive coordinators and coaches think about what they wanted to do,” he proudly said. “They didn’t run to my side often (this season), and when they did, I made them pay for it.”
Morris’ road to Monroe has not been without a measure of adversity. He hyperextended his right knee and tore his calf muscle in the 2021-22 campaign. He said he could not walk for two months, which was followed by two months of demanding physical therapy, costing him the campaign.
“I came back from the injury,” Morris said. “I worked hard. It felt harder than the actual football workouts. The injury gave me a reality check. If you want to get back, you have to work extra hard.”
Head coach Joseph Giardina said that his player’s injury helped him grow as a person and player, so he named him captain for the 2022-23 campaign.
“Saiquan is a player whose maturity the last 18 months grew astronomically,” Giardina said. “Saiquan lost his junior season to a knee injury. He came back his senior year a better man, stronger athlete and better mentality. Saiquan’s work ethic changed so much, (that) he was awarded captain his senior season. Words cannot begin to explain how proud (assistant) coach Rodriguez and I are of him.”
Giardina also added that he seems to have found a college setting that will allow him to progress even further, while lending more credibility to the LIC football program as a whole.
“Saiquan found a perfect home where he can grow as a student, grow as a man and grow as a football player,” he said. “I don’t know what made Saiquan happier: when I gave him the news as captain or for him to tell me that he committed to Monroe and that he would be the first person in his family to go to college.
“To have another player further his education all while playing football is a great step in the right direction for LIC. Saiquan’s smile can light up a room, and he knows Rodriguez and I are certainly going to miss him next season. I know he will do great things.”
After enjoying a successful football season, Morris said he will now focus on improving his overall game while graduating from high school.
“That’s all I’ve been thinking about, is getting better and better,” Morris said. “If you don’t work hard, someone will work harder than you.”
However, Morri said he did not get to where he is heading without the assistance of the LIC football program.
“I loved it more than anything, “Morris said of playing for LIC football. “Coach (Giardina) put me in position to succeed. Look where I am now. I’m going to be playing defensive end for Monroe College.”
The Mustangs posted a 3-5 overall record and went 0-2 in their conference this past campaign.
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Photos courtesy of LIC Football Program
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