North Texas Coach Eric Morris Develops New Quarterback Star

DENTON, Texas — North Texas head coach Eric Morris is making waves in college football with his innovative coaching style and knack for developing exceptional quarterbacks. As the Mean Green prepare for their matchup against Navy on November 1, Morris reflects on his journey, which includes his latest protégé, redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker.

Morris, a former Texas Tech slot receiver known for his role in the Air Raid offense, has a remarkable track record. He has played a crucial role in the success of quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Patrick Mahomes, both of whom have flourished under his guidance. With a keen eye for talent, Morris has transformed overlooked recruits into NFL starters, and this fall, he has led North Texas to an impressive 9-1 record, positioning them within the College Football Playoff discussion.

Mestemaker’s success has been nothing short of astounding. The young quarterback, who did not start a game since high school, has emerged as a standout player in the nation. He ranks fifth in passing yards with 3,000 and seventh in touchdowns with 23, helping North Texas secure a spot in the AP Top 25 for the first time in the program’s history. His ability to connect on deep passes is particularly notable, as he has recorded more completions of over 20 yards than all but two other FBS passers.

The journey of Mestemaker to this point is a testament to Morris’s belief in developing talent. TCU coach Sonny Dykes, who worked with Morris at Texas Tech, praised his ability to take risks on players who may not have had the best backgrounds. “Not too many coaches have the stones to invest in a guy that couldn’t start in high school at the varsity level,” Dykes stated. Such confidence has yielded significant dividends for Morris and his players.

Morris’s coaching journey has included successful stints at various institutions, including Texas Tech and Washington State, as well as head coaching roles at Incarnate Word and now North Texas. He has cultivated an offensive philosophy that prioritizes high-scoring plays, and this season, North Texas boasts the nation’s leading scoring offense, averaging 45.3 points per game.

As the season progresses, Morris’s name is mentioned among candidates for several high-profile coaching openings. Yet, he remains focused on the immediate task at hand: guiding his team through the American Conference title race. With a crucial game against Rice coming up, Morris and Mestemaker are determined to make a mark this season.

Mestemaker’s story is particularly compelling. After being a backup quarterback in high school, he transitioned to playing safety and punting in his final year before catching the attention of private quarterback coach Jeff Christensen. Christensen recognized Mestemaker’s potential and arranged for him to meet Morris, leading to a walk-on opportunity at North Texas.

The transition to quarterback was not smooth, but Morris’s coaching has allowed Mestemaker to flourish. The 6-foot-4 quarterback is known for his quick processing skills, a trait that has been instrumental in his development. North Texas quarterbacks coach Sean Brophy noted that Mestemaker’s experience as a safety gives him a unique perspective on the game, allowing him to analyze defenses effectively.

Morris has cultivated a culture of preparation and adaptability within his program. He emphasizes the importance of understanding each player’s strengths and tailoring the offensive scheme accordingly. This approach has been evident in the way he has adjusted his playbook to maximize the abilities of different quarterbacks over the years.

As North Texas continues its campaign, the combination of Morris’s coaching and Mestemaker’s talent may lead to a historic postseason run. With potential interest from Power 4 programs looming, both Morris and Mestemaker have exciting futures ahead. For now, their focus remains on winning games and solidifying their place in college football.

Morris’s ambition goes beyond immediate success. He envisions a long career in coaching, with aspirations of making a significant impact in the sport. In a recent interview, he stated, “I got a long time to coach before I start drinking beer, driving around in my pickup truck and looking after the cotton farms,” referencing his recent investment in agriculture. For the time being, he is committed to nurturing talent and leading North Texas to new heights in college football.