HSFT Stop #53: Columbus
After winning just four games combined over the last two seasons, Columbus football is looking to turn the page. The Falcons enter this season with a new head coach, a new mindset and a renewed sense of purpose under Columbus alum Chris Morgan. For Morgan, the goal goes beyond wins and losses. He wants to develop his players into better football players, students, leaders and young men.
“The main thing we try to do is develop guys,” Morgan said. “There needs to be young men, be leaders, be champions spiritually, academically, athletically.”
Morgan said discipline and accountability have become major points of emphasis since taking over the program.
“We got to take care of business off the field. So that’s a win in itself. And those things translate to on the field,” he said. “But of course I want these guys to experience a win. Walk around, brag how people are excited about Columbus again.”
Morgan’s return to his hometown has also allowed him to surround himself with coaches who understand what Columbus football means to the community. He’s brought in several coaches he’s worked with previously, while also adding familiar faces from his own playing days.
One of those coaches is Coach Grady, who coached Morgan when he was a high school player.
“What I was doing in Louisiana, I get to come back and do in my hometown, try to help my kids, give them a little motivation,” Morgan said.
Morgan has also retained members of the previous coaching staff while adding coaches who he believes can help bring new life to the program. That new approach is already noticeable to the players.
Christopher Ross, a Columbus defensive lineman, said the changes have been significant, from the way the team practices to the way players are expected to work together.
“He changed a lot from just running around and everybody coming together,” Ross said.
Offensive lineman Brian Mitchell said Morgan has brought structure and discipline to nearly every part of the program.
“Very disciplined, very on time,” Mitchell said. “He has a lot of structure in the weight room, locker room. Everything’s in a line, like on schedule. More like everything organized.”
The changes haven’t stopped with workouts and practices. Mitchell said the team has even changed the way players dress, emphasizing that the transformation has been about more than just football.
“We’re just trying not to be like last year, trying to change everything from the clothes we wear, the workouts we do. Our mindset is completely changed from last year,” Mitchell said.
For Columbus’ seniors, there is plenty of motivation to make the most of their final season in purple and gold. The Falcons are coming off a one-win campaign, and players say they are determined to make sure this season tells a different story. Wide receiver Michael Brewer said the team has put in plenty of work during the offseason and is eager to see that work translate to the field.
“We’ve been working really hard,” Brewer said. “A lot of work.”
Quarterback Malachi Simpson said the players are well aware of what has been said about the program following last season.
“We see everything,” Simpson said. “We don’t like the feeling when a night is terrible. We’ve just got to make sure we don’t do it again.”
Now, the Falcons have an opportunity to begin writing a new chapter. With Morgan leading the way, Columbus hopes the changes made throughout the offseason will translate into a different product on the field. The Falcons open the season against Houston on Aug. 28.
