ARENA FOOTBALL: Morris brings brains, brawn to Force

By Larry Hartstein
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Published on: 03/07/08

It was an odd question in a Force team meeting: How do you spell Caribbean?

"The big dilemma was did it have two R's or one?" said coach Doug Plank, who likes to ask spelling and geography questions in exchange for prizes. "Everyone looked at Carl."

As in Carl Morris, the team's Harvard-educated receiver. He's used to being the final arbiter.

"If it's disputed, everyone turns to me and says, 'What's the real answer?' " Morris said. "I could be dead wrong and they'd accept my answers."

Throughout his career, including stints with several NFL teams (Indianapolis, New Orleans, Miami, Philadelphia and San Diego), Morris often has been called, simply, "Harvard."

"A lot of guys really respect it and think it's amazing, and then other guys, all they want to do is joke about it," said Morris, who graduated in 2003 with a degree in economics and left as Harvard's all-time leading receiver.

Morris is quick to point out he's no anomaly: Harvard regularly sends players to pro football, such as Minnesota center Matt Birk and Cincinnati quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Morris, who will have plenty of options after football, started exploring them last year after missing 12 weeks with a high ankle sprain. He interviewed with a Wall Street investment bank and might be selling bonds now if not for the credit crisis, which ended the hiring process.

Morris said he was just pursuing an opportunity. He wants to play football as long as possible.

"I'm at the stage in my life where I don't have a lot tying me down and holding me back," the bachelor said.

"I'd like to do this as long as I have the desire and the ability."

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound Virginia native is in his third year with the Force, his first as a full-time starter. In Saturday's 51-41 loss to Dallas, Morris had seven catches for 62 yards and a touchdown. He fumbled once but also forced a fumble on special teams.

Plank, who played in the secondary alongside Yale graduate Gary Fencik in the NFL with Chicago, said Morris is a great example.

"People like Carl are a little different than most football players," Plank said. "Most of us went to football schools. He's a unique individual who brings both brains and brawn, and he's just a gentleman to be around and talk to.

"He's well-versed on so many different topics."

NEXT FOR FORCE

> Who: at Storm

> When: 7:30 p.m. today

Number 19 rawks!!! :)

How un-Harvardian of you.

Actually I love havardy cheese! nr6

I thought they sold furniture.