Dayton native plays big part in UMass upset of Rutgers
A kicking journey that began in grade school on the soccer fields of Dayton continues at the University of Massachusetts for Derek Morris. “I was a center back,” Morris said, “and would always boot the ball and goal kicks all the way up to the front line. I had an assist off of a goal kick once, just because I hit it all the way up to the other end of the field. My dad saw that, and he was like,…
Derek Morris, a native of Dayton, Ohio, has played a significant role in the University of Massachusetts' surprising victory over Rutgers. Morris, a graduate of Bishop Fenwick High School, began his kicking journey at a young age, learning the craft at a kicking camp in Dayton when he was just in fifth grade. His dedication to the sport paid off when he made 3 out of 3 field goals, including a 52-yarder, and 4 out of 4 extra points for UMass in their season-opening 37-21 win against Rutgers on September 3.
His performance earned him the Mid-American Conference special teams player of the week award and a Lou Groza Star of the Week award, one of only three kickers from across the nation to receive the honor.
Morris' contribution to UMass' victory was pivotal, as it marked the first time since the university joined the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2012 that they had beaten a power conference opponent. This win also ended a 16-game losing streak for UMass, bringing the team to a 1-12 record in 2025. The head coach, Joe Harasymiak, praised Morris for his unwavering commitment and focus, stating that the kicker's mindset remains consistent regardless of weather or other factors.
Morris' transfer to UMass was driven by his desire to be part of a team that was undergoing a turnaround. After a successful high school career at Fenwick, where he gave up soccer to focus on football, Morris struggled to secure a scholarship offer for college. He finally received an offer from Ryan Longwell, a retired NFL kicker and former teammate at California, after months of extensive communication. Longwell's guidance helped Morris navigate the complex process of securing a scholarship in a competitive field.
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