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Ridge Point's Avery Morcho is that guy
THE TOTAL PACKAGE: Ridge Point's Morcho is built different
Avery Morcho is the total package.
The Ridge Point offensive lineman stands an imposing 6-foot-6 and weighs in at 290 pounds. He’s crushing it in the classroom, and his athleticism has made him one of the most coveted prospects in H-Town.
But it all started with a different game.
“Basketball was my first love,” Morcho laughed. “I played until I was a sophomore but had to quit because I was losing too much weight running up and down the court. But having played since I was a kid, it gave me great footwork that I use now as an offensive lineman.”
Coach Rick LaFavers wasted no time putting Morcho to work when he started walking the halls of Fort Bend ISD’s powerhouse program.
“I’ve always been the biggest guy, and they moved me up to varsity as a freshman,” he said. “This might sound crazy, but on my very first play, I had a pancake block. I wasn’t fully developed yet… hadn’t really grown into my body. I was kind of thrown into the fire back then, but it made me who I am today.”
And who he is today? A four-star recruit with dozens of college offers.
“My first offer was from Texas Tech after my sophomore year… that gave me so much confidence,” Morcho said. “As I’ve gotten deeper in the recruiting process, I’m really looking for a great offensive line coach—someone who can get the most out of me. I’m pretty smart and would like to possibly pursue engineering as a career after football.”
For now, though, it’s all about Ridge Point football.
“This senior class is special,” he said. “I grew up going to Ridge Point games when I was in elementary school. I saw how those coaches developed great offensive and defensive linemen who went on to play in college. I knew if I just listened and put in the work, I could do it too.”
Now, it’s his turn to leave a legacy.
“Our time is almost over,” Morcho reflected. “I know the seniors are excited to go play in college, but we’re going to cherish every moment next year. It’s going to be a great season because of the brotherhood we’ve built over the years. We have great chemistry, and I love being one of the vocal leaders.”
Morcho has an official visit locked in with SMU, with more sure to fill up his calendar soon.
But before he got back to grinding, we ran him through the VYPE Combine 411 Feature. Here’s the lowdown:
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VYPE 411 with Avery Morcho
VYPE: When you’re watching football, who do you like to study?
MORCHO: Of course, the Texans. But at my position, I lock in on Trent Williams and Lane Johnson. They’re nasty and great run blockers.
VYPE: What’s your all-time favorite movie?
MORCHO: It has to be Creed.
VYPE: Favorite place to eat?
MORCHO: Wing Stop.
VYPE: Dream car?
MORCHO: A Durango 392.
VYPE: What are you streaming right now?
MORCHO: Stranger Things.
VYPE: Celebrity you’d want to take on a date?
MORCHO: Ruby Rose.
VYPE: Outside of football, what do you love to do?
MORCHO: I like playing pick-up basketball and fishing. I like being outside.
SMU gains commitment from Lovejoy wide receiver Jaxson Lavender
Not only is SMU Football having a stellar season this year, but they have been doing the most when it comes to recruiting in the DFW area. On Monday night, the Mustangs nabbed their second commitment from the Class of 2023 when Lucas Lovejoy wide receiver Jaxson Lavender took to social media to announce his commitment to the program:
I'm am more than excited to be officially committed to @SMU_Football @CoachDykesSMU @DavidGruSMU @CoachGRiley @TreyHaverty @ChrisRossLOJO @coach_jackson49 @Coach_Lavender #Committed #PonyUp pic.twitter.com/9rQdNg9dWb
— Jaxson Lavender (@JaxsonLavender) October 26, 2021
The Mustangs initially offered Lavender in March following interest and offers from other programs. Lavender's commitment comes after he played a key role in the Leopards' 38-15 win over Frisco last week. Lavender scored two touchdowns on nine catches while tallying 128 yards. So far this season, the unranked recruit has recorded 46 catches, 805 yards, and 13 touchdowns for Lovejoy who is currently undefeated on the season against their opponents.
In the 2020 season, Lavender was named as the District 7-5A-II Special Teams Most Valuable Player as he posted 250 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 21 carries as well as recording 463 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns on 45 receptions. Lavender is also a star for the Lovejoy track team where he runs in the 100-meter dash and the 400-meter dash.
Lavender chose to commit to SMU over the likes of Kansas, Nevada, North Texas, TCU, Texas Tech, and Tulsa.