Thursday, July 14, 2011

Morgan changes mind, returns to Soul

PHILADELPHIA - Star wide receiver Donovan Morgan has returned to the Soul for the remainder of the 2011 season.

Morgan, who has caught 115 receptions for a league-leading 1,847 yards and 36 touchdowns in 15 games in his first season with the Soul, was placed on the Other League Exempt list on July 8 and was planning to play for the Virginia Destroyers of the UFL.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to play outdoors, but my heart is here in Philadelphia with the Soul,” said Morgan when addressing his decision.  “The experience I have had here in this great city with these great fans and organization made my decision to come back very easy.  I look forward to finishing this season and can’t wait for 2012 to help bring the title back to Philadelphia.”

Morgan has proven to be one of the best receivers in Soul history, ranking in the top-three of several franchise receiving records.  His 1,847 receiving yards surpassed the previous Soul season high of 1,719 yards, set by Chris Jackson in the 2008 season.  Morgan’s 115 receptions and 36 touchdowns rank No. 2 all-time behind Jackson’s 140 receptions and 49 touchdowns from 2008.

Morgan’s best game statistically came in his Soul debut, where he caught 14 receptions for 189 yards and five touchdowns, while adding a rushing touchdown, in a 58-52 overtime victory in Week 1 at Pittsburgh.  With his performance, Morgan is tied in Soul history for the most receptions in a game, most touchdowns in a game, and ranks No. 2 in receiving yards in a game.

The Offensive Player of the Year candidate received Offensive Player of the Game honors four times this season, while catching five or more receptions in 14 games.  Morgan surpassed 100 receiving yards in 12 games while catching multiple touchdowns in 11 games.  His ability to make big plays downfield resulted in 19 touchdowns of 20 or more yards and 13 touchdowns of 30 or more yards.

Morgan will return to the lineup following the team's bye week and is scheduled to start the final game of the season against the rival Pittsburgh Power on Friday, July 22 at 7:05 p.m.  The game will be “Fan Appreciation Night” with Dance Team and Player team posters being distributed to the first 5,000 fans.

Morgan will also be at the ‘Philadelphia Soul & Red Cross – Blood Drive” on Saturday, July 16 at The Coliseum in Voorhees, NJ from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Donovan will help distribute special edition “Morgan” t-shirts to all blood donors from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

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