Franklin Regional’s Morrison plots future with Sprint football

By: Bill Beckner Jr.
Saturday, August 27, 2022 | 11:01 AM

Purchase Photo Options

Maddox Morrison is taking a unique path to college football.

The playmaker from Franklin Regional is headed to a Division II program to play, only not in the traditional sense.

Morrison, a senior wide receiver and defensive back, is going to play Sprint football at Alderson Broaddus in Philippi, W.Va.

Sprint is a relatively new concept. It is regular football, played in pads with the same rules. Only all players must weigh 178 pounds or less.

It is not recognized as a NCAA sport.

“My girlfriend actually committed to Alderson Broaddus this summer for basketball and told me about sprint football and the new program they have there,” Morrison said. “I was interested in it because it’s a new program and I am excited to join the team and try and make an impact right away as a freshman.”

His girlfriend is former Norwin basketball standout Brianna Zajicek, who committed to Alderson Broaddus last August.

Morrison showed quickness and dependable hands at Franklin Regional on both sides of the ball last season.

Morrison (5-11, 150) likes the sped-up nature of the Sprint game.

“I think it’s cool how it’s such a fast-paced game and there are a lot of guys my own size that play,” he said. “I went on a visit in February, and I loved the coaches and the campus.”

He plans to join the Battlers as a defensive back. There is no scholarship money available for Sprint football.

“But if they need me at wide receiver, I’m glad to step in,” Morrison said. “I’ve been starting to look at my team and look at the colleges we play. I want to keep playing physical and fast.”

Bill Beckner Jr. is a TribLive reporter covering local sports in Westmoreland County. He can be reached at bbeckner@triblive.com.

Tags: Franklin Regional