Maverick Morris would not change a thing about the past five years he has spent at Clemson University.
As a permanent co-captain during his final season in 2017, the offensive guard had 17 knockdowns in 409 snaps over 14 games. In 2016 he also shared the offenses “12th Man Award” along with receiver, Deon Cain.
In his five years at Clemson overall, Morris had the opportunity to experience the College Football Playoff three consecutive times, play in the National Championship game twice and the indescribable feeling of being a National Champion.
“It has been amazing,” Morris told The Clemson Insider. “Clemson was my first offer when I was going through the recruiting process. I knew early on that I wanted to come to Clemson so as soon as they offered me I committed right away and never looked back or talked to any other schools because I knew that this was the place for me.
“I came here and it’s been a great five years.”
That says a lot considering Morris grew up in the heart of Georgia Bulldog country in Broxton, Ga.
Although Morris is transitioning to a new chapter in his life, he is not stepping away from the football field just yet. In fact, he is not stepping away from Clemson University either.
Morris has always wanted to be a football coach and Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has already given Morris an opportunity to create a foundation to achieve his career goals by bringing him on the Clemson coaching staff as a graduate assistant coach.
“My immediate plans for the future were going to be to look for a graduate assistant spot at a school somewhere,” Morris said. “But, I actually got a call from Coach Swinney a few days ago and he offered me the spot here at Clemson so I took that and I’m back.”
Morris has learned so much from his college head coach both about football and life but several of the “Swinney-isms,” the phrase in which he referred to as Swinney’s personal and unique quotes will stick with Morris far beyond his college years.
“Best is the standard,” said Morris. “Everything you do no matter if it’s in the classroom, on the field, or just in life in general always give your best no matter what.”
Clemson University and the Clemson Football program have strengthened the person that he has become and given him all of the tools and opportunities he needs to be successful in the rest of his life.
“You couldn’t ask for a better place or a better environment to thrive in than Clemson. Just take advantage of it, everything Clemson has to offer, all of the connections they have.”
Morris specifically encourages incoming freshman players to take advantage of the P.A.W. Journey, which stands for “Passionate About Winning.” The P.A.W. Journey is a program designed for Clemson football players that focuses on helping them grow personally, in community service, life skills and career and professional developments.
“It is a great tool. It’s been a great tool while I was here and especially in the last few years with them expanding that program and creating a lot newer opportunities for everyone. Just take advantage of it, make the most out of it.”
That is what Morris did, and he is still doing it.