Nyles Morgan came in as the highest-touted linebacker and did not disappoint. Out of Crete (Ill.) Monee High School, he earned both the MVP and an invite to The Opening 2013. Morgan is long and showed good agility keeping up with backs in the open field. The four-star's commitment status is very open and has more than 20 BCS offers.
To recruit Morgan, a school must have three things.
"Academics, good hospitality and a winning program," he said.
Several schools on his list fit the bill.
"Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Oregon, Michigan State, Miami, Florida and UCLA," he said.
"They are a school I am considering," Morgan said of Notre Dame. "They want me to play as Manti Te'o and be the [mike] linebacker there. I've been down there three or four times."
Morgan has a good relationship with Notre Dame's coach Diaco and coach Martin.
"Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Michigan State and Florida," Morgan said when asked what schools are starting to feel like family.
Morgan has visited the Commodores three times.
"I really like Vanderbilt. I'm excited about what they're doing with themselves in the SEC; trying to build a program down there. And they see me fitting at the inside linebacker position," he said.
Vanderbilt is pitching its combination of academics and athletics.
"That's a pretty good mix. They're on the rise," Morgan said. "[From] where they started two years ago, and they're moving up after last year, and the academics are well known across the country."
Ole Miss and Michigan State are also in it for Morgan. When asked about what stands out, he said "the same thing [as Vanderbilt]."
Morgan sees himself solely as a middle linebacker, and has no interest in playing on the outside.
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