Sarasota Athlete of the Week: Joel Morris

The Booker Tornadoes are eyeing another deep run in the FHSAA Class 3A state tournament, and if they have it their way, they won't settle for a Final Four appearance this time around.

Against Naples this past Friday, Booker football (3-1) posted a decisive 42-0 victory at home, blowing out the reigning 4A state semifinalists.

Joel Morris was a big reason why. 

The senior quarterback and three-star recruit went 15-for-24 through the air for 279 yards and four scores. As the offensive engine behind arguably the team's biggest win this season, Morris is the Sarasota/Siesta Key Observer's Athlete of the Week.

When and why did you start playing football?

"I watched my father and my neighborhood friend, they (were) always playing. My relationship with both of them made it easy to get involved."

How did you gravitate to quarterback as your top position?

"I was a big Florida State fan, so I grew up watching EJ Manuel and Jameis Winston. Watching them win all those games and (watching) Jameis win the national championship, I was like, 'Damn, I want to be like him.'"

What's been your highlight of the season so far?

"Just coming together as an offense and just winning a lot of games. That Naples game really just made the team have a little bit more confidence in each other."

What's been your most humbling moment as a player?

"My injury last season. It really restarted that flame of love for football, missing a whole season, and to finally be able to play again really just rekindled that love I have for it."

What are your goals for your senior season with Booker?

"Just win, honestly. (I've) come to win Booker (its) first state championship."

What's one quote that you live your life by?

"It's by (Raiders quarterback) Geno Smith. 'They wrote me off, I ain't wrote back though.'"

If you could meet any professional athlete, who would it be and why?

"I'd probably meet Lamar Jackson. A lot of people say I play like him, so I would just want to learn the most I can from him."

If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?

"Japan. I'm really into Japanese culture — I watch a lot of anime. Just seeing a lot of vlogs, and how clean and friendly the nation is, I would just want to take a visit there."

If you were stuck on a desert island with only one item, what would you bring and why?

"A tent or an umbrella. Something to provide shade."

What's your favorite meal?

"Cajun pasta — my sister makes it at home."

What's your go-to, pregame hype music?

"Really whatever they're playing in the locker room. But I like to calm my nerves, so I really listen to Brent Faiyaz."

Finish this sentence. Joel Morris is...

"Amazing."