Morin Ready to Help Team in Any Role

12/1/2020 12:08:00 PM | Football, Les Johns

“All year I’ve been focused on learning both positions, just in case we needed it.” - Taylor Morin

By: Les Johns

Taylor Morin got his first collegiate action last season returning punts against ACC Champion Clemson, then broke out as a slot receiver against the No. 1 Tigers in the season opener earlier this year.

He grabbed nine receptions for 93 yards, and along with redshirt junior Jaquarii Roberson has helped establish the slot receiver position as the go-to spot for quarterback Sam Hartman this season.

Morin is now second on the team in receptions (25), with two touchdowns and 291 receiving yards.

"We're ready to rebound," Morin said about the focus after the heartbreaking loss at UNC in mid-November. "We're anxious. We know that was a tough loss against North Carolina. We know they're a good team, but we're excited to get back. We know we can fix the mistakes we made toward the end of the game."

Morin contributed four catches for 47 yards in the loss, but it was five stalled second-half drives that helped open the door for the Tar Heel comeback after being down three touchdowns.

"There wasn't anything that specifically stood out to us," Morin said. "Toward the end, we just had to convert and keep the defense off the field. Sam Howell and that offense was on a roll. We needed to keep the ball out of their hands.

"Many people might say that's on the defense, but we're just as responsible as they are. We have to get a couple more conversions and keep the ball out of UNC's hands."

With starting wide receivers A.T. Perry and Donavon Greene out of the game with injuries late against the Heels, Morin found himself lining up as an outside receiver for a few snaps.

"It's been all year," Morin said about learning multiple positions. "It wasn't just last week. All year I've been focused on learning both positions, just in case we needed it. Whatever the team needs, that's something I try to stay ready and willing to do on a daily basis.

"It's whatever the coaches have in store for us. Whenever my number is called, I'm ready to go out there and do what I can to help the team win."

The difference between the two positions?

"On the outside, you get a little more press coverage, so you have to work more releases," Morin said. "At the slot, you typically have three-to-four yards of cushion. The physicality and getting off the ball are the main differences."

True freshman slot Ke'Shawn Williams has really impressed in practice, according to comments earlier this season from Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson. Williams is already making an impact on special teams, and potentially could spell Roberson some at slot, giving Morin an opportunity to contribute more on the outside.

"Ke'Shawn is a good player, but we also have some depth on the outside," Morin said. "We have some younger guys who are ready to step up."

Morin brought in an improbable catch down the right sideline against UNC double coverage on a deep ball from Hartman. He's admitted to watching the highlight-reel 28-yard reception a couple of times.

"We lost, so I'm more focused on the things I can work on," Morin said. "It's nice to look back and see I made a nice play, but you have to look forward and see how to get better.

"To be honest, I didn't even realize it was double coverage until I came off to the sideline. I thought it was just me and the nickel. I thought I was just going up one-on-one for a jump ball. I guess the corner fell off on the outside and tried to make a play on the ball as well. In the moment, I thought I was one-on-one. Sam did a good job and has some confidence in me. You have to make him right."