Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Spring ball is here but student-athletes are still taking college visits and picking up verbal offers. An interesting riser seeing an uptick in college interest is three-star 2026 QB Joel Morris. Morris is beginning to take the recruiting scene by storm since making the move over to Sumner High School. He’s locked in three offers from Ole Miss, UAB, and Florida Atlantic.
Morris has a 6-2, 198-pound frame with three more years of development left. He’s one of the more talented and developed QBs in a heavily stacked 2026 class. I watched him dominate the camp season a year ago while showing off good arm strength, high IQ decision-making, and the ability to stay accurate and get mobile. All college coaches in Florida should pay attention and get familiar with Joel Morris.
SEASON TALK: Sumner HS (11-2)
Things will look a little different for you this season. How excited are you to work with Coach Paul Lively who had Sumner averaging 40 points per game last season?
I’m definitely excited. Coach Lively, he’s doing a great job bringing me into the offense. He’s really taking his time with me and being patient. It’s a new change. New colors, new everything. Coach Alonzo Ashwood and Coach Lively have been doing a great job, you see why they went 11-2 last year. Coach Lively has been talking about using my legs a little bit more. I told him if you need me to run the ball I got these legs for a reason.
New Weapons: Have you had time to connect with your teammates? 2025 WR Tyler Williams looks like a promising national recruit.
Actually, me and Tyler put in some work yesterday throwing routes after practice. Tyler is a phenomenal receiver and probably one of the best I’ve thrown to in my life. You can definitely see why he’s ranked as high as he is.
RECRUITING: Offers: UAB, Florida Atlantic, and Ole Miss
UAB: I think what Coach Trent Dilfer (HC) has been doing with UAB is amazing. Not many people know about UAB but he’s making them known lately. With his offensive mind what he can bring to the table is good. He can flip that program 180 and they can win some games.
FAU: I haven’t visited FAU yet but I plan on coming down this summer to take a visit and do the camp as well. Coach Chris Perkins (RB) came down to the school before. The offer came when I was in geometry and my coach told me to head to the weight room. The coach went over my film and said he liked what he saw and gave me an offer.
Ole Miss: To see what they have been doing with Coach Lane Kiffin (HC) man it’s crazy. They probably have one of if not the best and most explosive offenses in the country right now. Just seeing what they’ve been doing with Jaxson Dart at QB is amazing.
Interest Schools:
USF: I actually went to USF’s spring practices. Coach Alex Golesh (HC) and Coach Joel Gordon (OC/QB) were talking about how I could fit into the offense if I came. I think USF should be a Power 5 school and can make a big jump, especially with what they could do with me.
Out-of-state schools showing interest:
Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt, Kentucky
College coaches/traits:
For the college coaches watching, Break Down your game a little. What are some traits of yours and what do you do well at the position?
I stay strong in my pocket and don’t let the pressure affect me. I’m willing to stay in and take hits and make the throw. Do anything to get the team in a winning position. Me on the run moving around and pocket presence is the best in the state of Florida at my position.
WHAT CAN YOU BRING:
Coming up on your junior year, you still have some time to grow but you’re getting attention from major universities right now, just talk about what you can bring to the Power 4 level as a young talented QB.
I can bring my knowledge to the game. I’ve been told I have one of the highest IQs at quarterback. My decisive decision-making in tight situations and just keeping it cool and calm no matter what happens I just keep it cool-headed and don’t let the pressure get me.
SPRING BALL:
You played ball the last two years in the Polk County area. What are you looking forward to working on this spring and how are you feeling about this team?
I’m 100% confident we can make a state championship run. Spring ball practices have been really competitive. The defense is pushing me every day. All the players say “Yeah Joel this ain’t Polk County no more this that Hillsborough County football.” But I just say it is nothing, man.
OFF-SEASON WORK:
You’re one of the quality QBs who has worked with trainer and former professional QB, BJ Hall – what are some things you’ve worked on this off-season to better your game heading into spring?
What Coach BJ has been having me do is work on faster rotation because that’s what colleges like to see. They like to see a quick rotation, smooth finish, and throwing the ball with less effort. Just more rotation and bodywork, using your body to your advantage.
Thoughts on in-state schools:
FSU: Last weekend I was at Florida State. The coaches and staff, just everybody showed much love. It felt like I was a part of the team. I’ve never felt more welcomed at a university before. I saw what the Seminoles did with Trever Jackson and DJ Uiagalelei at the spring game, it was great. They were moving the ball fluidly down the field and everybody was on the same page. What Coach Mike Norvell has done with the program, flipping the program in just three years. Taking them from 5-6 to national championship contenders. With the culture and mentality they have, Florida State is a real contender.
UCF: I went to UCF’s spring game last year and the atmosphere at the Bounce House was something serious. I looked up and it was packed out like it was a real game. The culture down there at UCF is something serious. The Knights got it going on and got something special building. Next year with KJ Jefferson, I think they could be a contender this year.
Florida: I’ve been to Florida I think four times and each time I just keep being amazed. I came for the spring game (the blue out game) and it was like no other atmosphere I’ve been a part of. What Coach Billy Napier has done with Florida, with Zach Mertz and with DJ Lagway coming in, I think will be a team to reckon with for the next 5-10 years.
DREW’S FAST FIVE:
Favorite Football Player ALL TIME: Cam Newton
Favorite PreGame song: Good Days – SZA
Best post game meal: Chicken Tenders
Favorite movie or tv show: Cars (movie), One Piece (show)
What’s your Best skill: IQ, and ability to stay calm
