BREAKING: NC State QB MJ Morris to redshirt
NC State sophomore quarterback MJ Morris will redshirt the rest of the season after playing in 4 games this fall.
The dynamic sophomore signal-caller will not play in any more games to preserve his sophomore season of eligibility. He practiced with the team Tuesday morning.
A source close to the program shared that the quarterback informed the staff Sunday that he is choosing to take his redshirt. Morris played in 5 games a true freshman in 2022, and the staff originally planned on preserving that redshirt year this fall before deciding to bench graduate student quarterback Brennan Armstrong Oct. 2.
In his 4 starts so far this season, the sophomore threw for 719 yards, 7 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. He completed 55.8 percent of his passes, connecting on 63 of 113 attempts. Morris also added 49 rushing attempts for 88 yards with a long of 16.
Moving forward, NC State will likely turn to graduate Armstrong under center. The former UVA signal-caller started the first 5 games of the season before the coaching staff handed Morris the starting quarterback reigns following a 13-10 loss to Louisville.
Armstrong continued to contribute this season, primarily in a rushing role. Through 8 games, he threw 160 passes, completing 94 passes at a 58.8 percent completion rate. He last attempted a pass during the Sept. 29 loss to Louisville and recorded 5 touchdown passes and 6 interceptions over his first 5 starts.
On the ground, Armstrong is NC State’s leading rusher. He averages 4.2 yards per carry and has racked up 337 yards to pace the program with 3 touchdowns. In his most recent appearance, he led the Wolfpack once again with 8 carries for 51 yards during the Nov. 4 win over Miami.
The 2023 season is Armstrong’s last season of eligibility. If Morris chooses to stick with the program, he would be a redshirt sophomore with three years remaining.
Morris deciding to enter the transfer portal after this season would leave the Wolfpack with two scholarship quarterbacks on the roster— redshirt freshman Lex Thomas and true freshman Cedrick Bailey Jr., who is committed to NC State in the 2024 class. The Pack also holds a commitment from class of 2025 signal-caller Will Wilson.
Three games remain on NC State’s schedule, and the Pack returns to competition Nov. 11 on the road vs. Wake Forest with Armstrong likely under center.
This is a developing story. Check back frequently for updates
