Center/guard Derrick Morse took some time out of his training schedule to answer a few questions with FFLiveWire's Luke Nicholson about his career at Miami, his versatility, and his teammates.Luke Nicholson: Who is your biggest role model? Why?
Derrick Morse: My father, he is always there for me and fully supports me in everything I do...he’s my best friend.
Luke Nicholson: What is your greatest football moment to date?
Derrick Morse: Beating Florida State @ Doke Campbell stadium this year.
Luke Nicholson: What sports did you participate in during high school and how have they helped you to become a better player on the football field?
Derrick Morse: Besides playing football I did track and field. I threw the shot put and discuss. I wasn’t very good but we didn’t have anyone else to do it...I also wrestled but only to keep in shape. I was too heavy to compete at it...training for wrestling really prepares you physically for anything you’ll ever do in your life...especially football.
Luke Nicholson: You have played both center and guard at Miami. How has this versatility helped you as a player?
Derrick Morse: I played guard most of my career at Miami...I played a lot of center during practice and really got a good feel for it...if there was a time I needed to play center this year I could have easily stepped in...Playing center is a lot different because you can’t be as aggressive as you can be at guard...the game kind of seems slower but it’s also fun. Just playing on the o-line with your boys is fun....but learning center has really helped me because it made me a smarter player, a better student of the game.
Luke Nicholson: Do you prefer playing center or guard? Are scouts planning to work you out at both positions?
Derrick Morse: Yes I will be working out at both positions but naturally I’m more comfortable at guard because I’ve played it for the last 5 years...but moving to center will be no problem. I just love to play and will play anywhere.
Luke Nicholson: Who is the best player you have faced during your career?
Derrick Morse: I would have to say Ray McDonald from the University of Florida or Orien Harris our d-tackle from a few seasons ago.
Luke Nicholson: How has playing with Andrew Bain helped your development and do you see a future in the NFL for your teammate?
Derrick Morse: Andrew and I are really close friends and currently roommates...he is a great student of the game and really helped me be a film junky...he is a great player and will definitely have a great future in the NFL.
Luke Nicholson: If you could have any super power, what would you choose? Why?
Derrick Morse: Since I just saw the movie jumper I would have to say the ability to transport myself. I could get all the money I need and want plus go anywhere in the world at the drop of a hat and I can also bring people with me... so I think that would be really cool.
Luke Nicholson: What one thing do you have to work on the most to excel at the NFL level?
Derrick Morse: I need to be less aggressive in my pass protection. Sometimes I am overaggressive and it gets me in trouble.
Luke Nicholson: What current NFL player does your game most resemble?
Derrick Morse: Jon Runyan from the Philadelphia Eagles. He plays nasty and that’s how I play.
Luke Nicholson: If someone decided to make a movie about your life, what actor would play you and what would the movie be titled?
Derrick Morse: I would have to say Chris Farley because he is a big guy who knows how to entertain a crowd and make people laugh and the name of the movie would be "Derrick Morse, Real Man of Genius."
Luke Nicholson: What are you doing to prepare for your Pro Day?
Derrick Morse: Train my tail off everyday with the best strength coach in the world, Andrue Swasey, down at Miami.
Luke Nicholson: Which teams have expressed interest in you at this point?
Derrick Morse: Raiders, Lions, Jaguars, Dolphins, Ravens, Rams, Titans.
Luke Nicholson: Is there a specific team you hope to play for?
Derrick Morse: Dolphins, life long fan and it’s my dream to play for them.
Luke Nicholson: Are you a cat or a dog? Why?
Derrick Morse: Dog, dogs are loyal, bigger, stronger, and liked better by most.
Luke Nicholson: Outside of football, what are some of your hobbies?
Derrick Morse: Bowling, golfing, chilling with my boys doing our thing.
Luke Nicholson: Why should a NFL team select you over other centers in this draft?
Derrick Morse: Because I am a football player. I can play multiple positions and be great at them while competing at a high level. I know for a fact that I work harder than anyone else and I’m a team guy. I love hanging out with my teammates and genuinely care about them as well as winning games and championships
Luke Nicholson: What are your plans for your career after football?
Derrick Morse: I would love to make enough money to take care of my family and open up a chain of sports bars in the great state of Florida.
Luke Nicholson: If you snap the ball to any NFL quarterback, who would you choose? Why?
Derrick Morse: Brett Favre...one of the best quarterbacks to ever play and you know all he cares about is winning games and having fun while doing it...and that’s the same mentality I have.
Luke Nicholson: Finish the following sentence: Derrick Morse is tougher than…
Derrick Morse: Rocky!
