NC State QB MJ Morris plans to redshirt remainder of 2023 season after starting four games for Wolfpack

NC State quarterback MJ Morris will take a redshirt for the remainder of the 2023 season, Wolfpack trainer Dave Doeren showed to newshounds Thursday. The sophomore changed Virginia switch Brennan Armstrong because the starter below heart after a Week 5 loss to Louisville and holds a 3-1 report in four games since. If Morris desires to take care of his redshirt eligibility, he can not seem in some other sport this season. Armstrong will go back to the starting position because of this. 

Morris’ determination used to be reasonably unexpected after Doeren sang the quarterback’s praises right through his Monday media availability, telling newshounds that Morris will “continue to grow and get better.” On Thursday, Doeren detailed the conversations that in the end culminated in Morris taking a redshirt. The Wolfpack trainer stated he used to be stunned by way of the verdict, even though he wired that NC State entered 2023 with the hope that Morris may just maintain a 12 months of eligibility and be informed at the back of Armstrong sooner than a quarterback alternate used to be in the end made midseason. 

“As games progressed and time went on, MJ came to me and let me know that he was still thinking about preserving his redshirt,” Doeren said. “I was surprised by that because he was our starter, and I really didn’t expect that [decision] for a starting player to want to sit back down. He said he wasn’t sure which way to go [at the time], but wanted me to know [redshirting] was something he was thinking about and talking with his family about. And after the fourth game, he was very decisive and telling me that it was important to him and his family to preserve his redshirt. And so we’re honoring that decision.”

Morris not too long ago led the Wolfpack to pivotal wins in opposition to Clemson — giving NC State its 2nd “Textile Bowl” win since 2012 — and Miami, conserving their hopes partly alive for an ACC Championship Game berth. In his four appearances, Morris finished 63 of his passes for 713 yards and 7 touchdowns with 5 interceptions. He threw 3 touchdowns and had only one interception within the Clemson and Miami victories. 

Is Morris gearing up for a switch?

Upon news of Morris making plans to finish his season and maintain the 12 months of eligibility, many believed it’ll were section of a bigger plan to ultimately switch out of this system. That does not appear to be the case, no less than for now, as Morris’ father used to be fast to shoot down the likelihood and reaffirm that his son is dedicated to staying with the Wolfpack. 

“No one said he is leaving the program,” Eddie Morris told WRAL. “Nobody said he is leaving the program. If he would have left the program, he would have left in January and he would have left in May. He had plenty of options.”

All eyes on Armstrong

Morris stepping apart opens the door for  Armstrong to hit the reset button. He entered the 12 months as NC State’s starter and used to be first off the bench thru 5 games. 247Sports experiences that Armstrong took first-team reps for the Wolfpack right through Tuesday’s observe. 

Armstrong struggled in his restricted starting time. He used to be in the end benched after finishing simply 13 of his 25 cross makes an attempt for 112 yards and two interceptions in a 13-10 loss to Louisville. That marked his 2nd sport in 5 alternatives with no less than two interceptions. NC State held a 3-2 report with Armstrong operating the display. 

Maybe Armstrong took the chance to paintings on his sport. He unquestionably has historical past in NC State’s offensive machine after construction a confirmed monitor report with offensive coordinator Robert Anae. The two made magic at Virginia in 2021 as Armstrong completed fourth within the nation with 4,449 yards passing whilst undertaking the ACC’s maximum prolific air assault. Though the chemistry between quarterback and a well-known play caller did not increase thru NC State’s first 5 games, Armstrong now has the chance to lead the 6-3 Wolfpack to their 2nd nine-win common season up to now 3 years.