DeSean Bishop might have enjoyed Daune Morris’ touchdown more than Morris did.
As Morris crossed the goal line following a 47-yard sprint late in Tennessee’s 45-24 win over Georgia Tech, Bishop was there to celebrate with him.
The moment meant something.
Bishop had watched Morris work through a freshman season that didn’t go the way the young running back wanted. He had watched him wait for carries, grow within Tennessee’s offense and earn his way into the rotation.
Saturday night, Bishop watched it pay off.
“I’ve just seen his growth,” Bishop said. “Obviously, his freshman year wasn’t what he wanted it to be. He didn’t play a lot as a freshman, and this year, finding his way in the rotation.”
Morris rushed for a career-high 98 yards on 10 carries against the Yellow Jackets. He averaged 9.8 yards per attempt and capped his night with a career-long 47-yard touchdown with 1:30 remaining.
It was a significant jump for a sophomore who totaled 133 rushing yards across seven appearances during his freshman season.
But those inside Tennessee’s program weren’t surprised.
“Young guy that, through the course of spring, you guys know that I’ve liked where he’s grown, matured and what he’s done,” Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said.
That development continued through training camp.
“Not surprised with anything that he did tonight, and I say that as a compliment to him,” Heupel said. “He’s ready to play at a really high level.”
Morris believes the biggest difference isn’t necessarily physical.
It’s mental.
“I think my biggest step was mentally, preparing and being ready for when the moment come and just being patient and allowing everything to come to me and not forcing it,” Morris said.
Patience has been required.
Morris arrived at Tennessee after a prolific career at Oakland High School. He rushed for 2,012 yards as a junior before helping Oakland win the Class 6A state championship as a senior.
Suddenly, carries weren’t guaranteed.
Running backs coach De’Rail Sims saw the adjustment taking place this spring.
Sims said Morris had gone from a player accustomed to being the best on the field in high school to one learning how to compete within a talented college running back room.
By spring, Sims saw a different approach.
Morris was becoming more professional in his preparation, improving in pass protection and running with greater patience and physicality.
Morris felt the difference, too.
“Being able to sit back within a year and then taking a big leap, learning and understanding how we run it, how our scheme is, it changed the way I can actually play and being able to play as fast as I can,” Morris said.
That showed against Georgia Tech.
Morris had three carries for 29 yards during a late first-half possession, then continued to make the most of his opportunities as Tennessee leaned heavily on its running backs.
The Vols finished with 299 rushing yards on 45 attempts. Bishop led the way with a career-high 147 yards and two touchdowns, while Morris nearly joined him in triple digits.
His final carry left little doubt about his explosiveness.
With Tennessee leading 38-24 and 1:36 remaining, Morris took the handoff up the middle, found the opening and accelerated through it for 47 yards.
“We huddled up. Coach Heup said we’re scoring,” Morris said. “We went out there. I seen the hole and I took it.”
Morris credited the blocking in front of him. Heupel specifically pointed to Bishop’s block on the touchdown and praised the work of Tennessee’s offensive line and tight ends throughout the night.
For Bishop, however, the celebration afterward wasn’t really about one run.
It was about the player who made it.
Morris had continued working despite a limited role. Bishop saw growth away from the field, too, and a teammate willing to keep attacking an opportunity that hadn’t immediately arrived.
“Someone who’s willing to work and just give his all for the Vols,” Bishop said. “I love seeing my guys make big plays. It’s fun seeing me make plays as well, but it’s something different.
“I get a different type of joy seeing my other guys make plays as well.”
Morris had spent much of his first year learning to wait for those plays.
Saturday night, he was ready when they came.
