A&T's new QB is man with a plan

Photo: Shelton Morgan waited patiently to start for N.C. A&T. He also ran in the heat, studied film and took biology in summer school.

By Rob Daniels, Greensboro News-Record

GREENSBORO -- The Wheel of Misfortune that has defined N.C. A&T's quarterback situation has stopped on Shelton Morgan, a guy who seemingly never stops. With defending MEAC champion Hampton coming to Aggie Stadium for a national TV game tonight, this would be no time to get tentative, and there doesn't seem to be much threat of that happening.

"It's exciting, because out of high school I had been waiting for this moment," said Morgan, a redshirt freshman from Elizabeth City. "It's finally here, and I'm ready for it."

When he replaced injured and perpetually star-crossed Herb Miller last week at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Morgan became the eighth man to play quarterback for A&T during its 18-game losing streak. Injuries, academics and position changes have accounted for the bulk of the turnover. The Aggies are just hoping for some stability.

As far as his routine is concerned, Morgan appears to embody the planning, permanence and professionalism that will give him a shot.

Having come from a high school where he threw an average of 25 times a game and set school passing records, Morgan waited patiently as a true freshman in 2006. He also decided to work ahead academically, which is why he attended both summer sessions this year and developed a daily schedule.

The morning was for film study, the afternoon for weightlifting and running in the heat of the day.

At 5:30 p.m. every Monday through Thursday, Morgan attended a biology class, which involved a bit more than you might imagine. Summer sessions cram a regular semester's worth of work into six weeks, and science classes come with lab work as well as classroom study. Nobody got out until 9:30, at which time it was often necessary to study.

Now A&T hopes the ability to adhere to such a plan carries over to the field.

"In August," Morgan said, "my mind-set was to be ready in case anything happened. Don't let the situation sneak up on you. The most challenging thing was taking it from paper to the field. Last week was actually slower than I expected, but I know the speed of the game this week is going to be a lot different."

That's a safe bet. Hampton, which has established itself as the class of the MEAC, offers up a defense that features Page High graduate Henti Baird, a hybrid linebacker and defensive back who had a sack and six other tackles in a season-opening victory over Howard two weeks ago.

The Aggies don't really expect their quarterback to win the game for them. They have a promising collection of running backs, and they mainly need to avoid turnovers and other breakdowns. Last week, they beat Prairie View A&M in total offense and first downs, but were outscored 22-7.

After replacing Miller, Morgan completed three of eight passes for 55 yards and a touchdown, with no interceptions.

The beauty of the incomplete pass or the never-tossed option pitch is often underappreciated. Asked to describe his best asset, Morgan said, "Make good decisions. If it's not there, throw it away."

Not to the opponent. Maybe not even in the general direction of an Aggie. Having played wide receiver -- he had two snaps at that position against Prairie View before Miller's injury -- Morgan said he understands the importance of accuracy.

"I realize the receiver's job is harder than what people might think," he said. "When you're put in a bad situation by a quarterback, you don't appreciate it much."

Coach Lee Fobbs presumably is tired of training a new guy all the time to run the offense, but he can't look back now. Morgan is the captain of this ship until further notice.

"He's a young kid who is talented and who will play hard," Fobbs said. "He'll take care of the ball. He's ready to play. He has shown that in practice with his leadership."