Jack Morgan, a Mount Dora High School graduate, is set to take the field for the first time as a UCF Knight tonight as they face the University of New Hampshire. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end, now a redshirt sophomore, has had an unconventional journey to NCAA Division 1 football.

Morgan, one of Mount Dora High’s standout players in the early 2020s, initially made his mark as a versatile athlete, excelling both as a tight end and on defense. Despite his passion for tackle football igniting in the 4th grade, Morgan wasn’t allowed to play until his freshman year of high school due to his parents’ safety concerns.

(Jack Morgan played Tight End and Defensive positions for Mount Dora during his junior and senior years.)

“I have been passionate about tackle football since 4th grade, but due to my parents’ safety concerns, I was not allowed to play until my freshman year of high school. That could have been a disadvantage, but it fueled my hunger and made me responsible for charting my own unconventional course to become a starting player,” Morgan reflected.

By his sophomore year, Morgan was already starting on the junior varsity team, playing on both sides of the ball. Determined to make up for lost time, he dedicated himself to improving his nutrition and hitting the weight room, adding 80 pounds of muscle during his junior and senior years. His hard work paid off as he became a dominant force on the field and a key player for Mount Dora. Morgan is currently majoring in pre-marketing in the College of Business Administration at UCF.

(Jack Morgan standing on the field of UCF’s Bounce House after his first spring football game with the Knights earlier this year.)

After high school, Morgan took an unconventional route, redshirting for the past few seasons, where he continued to develop his skills and physicality. Now, as a redshirt sophomore, Morgan is ready to make an impact at UCF. What is even more impressive is that Morgan is a walk-on and is doing this all by proving himself to coaches.

While it’s unclear how much playing time Morgan will see this season, his story is a testament to perseverance and the power of an unconventional path to NCAA Division 1 football. This kid is a true grinder in every sense of the word.

(Jack Morgan has continued to improve at football every year. While he might have had a late start to his career, Morgan is proving to everyone that he belongs on an NCAA Division 1 Roster.)

Morgan will be joined on the UCF roster by several fellow Lake County athletes, including Jesiah Pierre from Mount Dora Christian Academy, Tyree Patterson from Eustis High School, and redshirt sophomore punter Michael Carter from Lake Minneola High School.

UCF’s season opener against the University of New Hampshire will air on ESPN+ at 7:00pm.