James Morrison, a University of St. Thomas football player and mechanical engineering graduate, spoke with the Minnesota Star Tribune about his decision to remain with the Tommies despite opportunities to transfer to larger programs. Morrison, who has drawn interest from all 32 NFL teams, discussed his commitment to his teammates, the importance of education and his aspirations both on and off the football field.
From the article:
So, James, what in the name of college football’s get-rich-quick transfer portal is going on here?
“My team means a lot more to me than money does,” Morrison said after a Tommies game earlier this season.
That’s not something you hear every day.
Neither is this:
“I oppose the transfer portal,” said Morrison, a left guard from Cretin-Derham Hall. “It’s bad for college football. Five years ago, I committed to the University of St. Thomas. Loyalty, keeping my word, it’s a big deal to me. Period. Sure, I could have left, but I didn’t even consider testing the portal to see what I was ‘worth.’”
Gordy Morrison, proud father and former Minnesota State Mankato defensive end, looks on and nods his old-school approval.
“James had a lot of people in his ear telling him he should transfer,” Gordy said. “Players from other teams. From big schools. From a certain big one across the river (the University of Minnesota).”
St. Thomas plays in the Pioneer League, the country’s lone football-only non-scholarship Division I conference.
