ITTA BENA, Mississippi -- Mississippi Valley State head football coach Karl Morgan addressed the media today on the first of many Monday's to come as the fourth-year coach spoke about the Delta Devils' upcoming trip to Orlando and a host of other topics. Watch the full interview here.
The Delta Devils will kick off their season Sunday live on ESPN at 11:45 a.m. EST in the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney against Florida A&M at the Citrus Bowl. It marks the first time that MVSU has played in the event.
"I think it's an honor for us to be there," said Morgan. "Talking to (former MVSU Athletic Director Ashley Robinson), he mentioned that the fact we finished (last season) with a three-game winning streak and five conference wins helped us in our bid to get here. It's an honor to represent the conference."
Valley recently wrapped up fall camp and one of the starting positions fans have kept an eye on is the quarterback battle between Jeremy Collins and Patrick Ivy. Morgan said the staff will likely name a starter on Tuesday.
Morgan also mentioned that he has been impressed by all of the quarterbacks in fall camp. And much of that progression can be attributed to new quarterbacks coach Rick Worman.
"Quarterback play has been better than it has been in the past three years and I attribute that to Rick Worman, our quarterbacks coach," said Morgan. "He has brought in a wealth of quarterback-play knowledge."
Worman, however, isn't the only new coach on the Delta Devil staff this season. Carlos Hollis, who was a starting safety for the Delta Devils last season and was named First Team All-SWAC, has taken over the duties as defensive backs coach.
"I thought who better to get than a person who's played in the system the last few years," Morgan said. "He knows what we're trying to do defensively (and) he's done it defensively, so I think that put him ahead of any other candidates."
When the Delta Devils hit the field Sunday they'll also honor former MVSU kicker Kevin Monzon, who died in June in a car accident in Leflore County. Each Valley player will wear a No. 47 decal on their helmet in honor of Monzon, who played one season at MVSU after transferring from Marietta College.
"We're going to honor him all this season with that on that back of our helmets," Morgan said.
Morgan also gave an update on linebacker Marcus Thompson, who was seriously injured in the same car accident. Thompson, who is at his home in Houston, Texas, has not yet been able to walk since the accident but has regained some feeling in his lower body, said Morgan.
"We kept his (jersey) number (and) locker open," he said. "We're hoping that he can come to a game this year. He's optimistic of his chances of walking again.
"We'll always carry the memories of those guys with us," Morgan added, "and hopefully we can do something that will make them proud."
The No. 47 decal won't be the only thing new about the Delta Devils. They'll also have new game jerseys, said Morgan. Unlike last year's jerseys, the new ones won't have red in them.
"School colors are officially green so we went back to a more traditional look," he said.
COURTESY MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
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