Spotlight: Former NRYTLer Pat Morrison

If you are a 6'3 175lb All-County defensive end as a senior in high school, few would think that four years later you would be rated as one of the top twenty safeties in collegiate football, much less if you played at a division II school. In 1987, this was the case for former NRYTLer Pat Morrison.

Recruited to Southern Connecticut State University by current NY Giant offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, the Head Coach at Southern at the time, Pat was immediately moved to safety where became a starter as a sophmore. Pat joined former NRYTLer Sonny Fernandez in the Southern secondary and the two helped distinguish and promote New Rochelle football through their play. With Coach Gilbrides guidance Pat developed into a standout safety, becoming a two-time All-New England and All ECAC safety. After college Pat was signed by the New York Giants as a free agent in 1987. He played one year with the Giants before moving on to the Arena Football league and playing for the New York Knights.

An educator and counselor living in the Philadelphia area with his wife and two sons, Pat says he will always have a special place for NRYTL

" I remember those days like they were yesturday. We had an international team accepted for who we were and the talents that brought us together. Phillipe Janvier, RB (Haitian), me,DE,WR (British),Nunzio Landi and Todd Depaso (Italian). A great bunch of boys who grew into men from the leadership and mentoring of the YTL. I love you all. You allowed an Englishman to reach a level of competion that only a few American boys are allowed to experience. Thank you Joe (and Family), Coach Bailey (RIP) mr. holly (RIP) and all the Cheerleaders. I would like to thank one last person. Earl Bradshaw for introducing me to the game."

Recently Pat joined Coach Gilbride at a Southern Connecticut Hall of fame dinner honoring among others, Pat's teammate and Former Cleveland Brown tight endTravis Tucker. While head coach at Southern Coach Gilbride recruited and coached five former NRYTLers. Sonny Fernandez, Mike West, Pat Morrison, Mike Celestino and Jeff Smith.

 

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