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Morales hasn’t signed letter of intent yet
By: Dan Feldman
Freshman long snapper George Morales might have the most curious scholarship situation of anyone on the Michigan football team.
Few long snappers receive a scholarship out of high school, but Morales was offered one by former Michigan coach Lloyd Carr.
After the Las Vegas native won a long-snapping competition at Michigan’s high school camp last summer, Carr called Morales into his office and offered him a scholarship. Morales wanted to accept on the spot, but Carr told him to take some time to consider and to talk with his family. About a week later, Morales committed.
When Carr retired last November, Morales called Carr to see if his scholarship would still be honored. Carr assured him it would. And Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez provided more reassurance, calling him on signing day in February to guarantee the offer.
But Morales was not listed by the Athletic Department as one of the 24 players Michigan signed at the time.
Morales initially thought he would grayshirt, meaning he wouldn’t enroll until this January so he would count against the 2009, not 2008, scholarship limit. But a scholarship was available this year, likely the one held for Ohio State freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor.
Morales will compete to be the backup long snapper. Fifth-year senior Sean Griffin is the starter at the position.
About two weeks ago, Rodriguez said Morales signed in February. But Morales said he hasn’t signed yet and plans to after fall camp wraps up in a couple weeks.
Carr offered him a one-year scholarship with the possibility it will be renewed. Morales hasn’t decided what he will do if he’s not offered a scholarship next year. For now, he’s just enjoying his experience in Ann Arbor.
“I love it,” Morales said. “It’s tough and everything. Practice is fast-tempo, but I love it out here.”
