The Year of the Captain, Donovan Morgan
June 17, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
PHILADELPHIA (June 17, 2011) - A captain leads by example, through his actions and veteran knowledge. A captain commands with authority to seek victory and overcome adversity. A captain controls each situation with his power and ability to demand the respect of foes.
First-year Soul wide receiver, Donovan 'Captain' Morgan does not merely fit the description, but rather redefines the term. Donovan has proven to be a veteran leader capable of altering any game with his ability to make plays at key moments.
The Captain's most recent feat in front of the Philadelphia fans took place just two weeks ago, against the Eastern Division rival Milwaukee Mustangs, where he hauled in the game-winning touchdown on the final play to lead the Soul to a 39-37 victory.
"It was actually a play to try to draw the defense up, and when I saw the DB just sitting there, I ran a cross, Vena threw it up, and I said by all means I was going to get it," said Donovan. "I was tired, worn down, and another DB was hanging over my back, but God gave me the ability to make plays, and that's what I do."
Through 13 games, Donovan has caught 102 receptions for a League-leading 1,614 yards and 32 touchdowns, ranked No. 3. Donovan's explosiveness down-field has resulted in 12 touchdowns of 30 or more yards and eight touchdowns of 40 or more yards, and has placed him atop the League with an average of 15.8 yards per catch.
Donovan's value to the Soul has not gone unnoticed, being named Offensive Player of the Game four times this season and recognized as an Offensive Player of the Year candidate throughout the League. Despite his weekly accolades, Donovan remains focused on the entire team's effort to achieve success.
"Individual goals are great for self pride, but I want my team to enjoy greatness," said Donovan.
Success is nothing new to Donovan. In 2005, with the af2 Tulsa Talons, he set league records with 54 touchdown receptions, 57 total touchdowns, and 346 points scored in a season, making him the first player in af2 history to exceed the 300-point barrier. In 2008, Donovan was named AFL Rookie of the Year as a member of the Chicago Rush under the direction of current Soul head coach Mike Hohensee.
Last season, the Captain again left his mark on Arena Football, recording 123 catches for 1,707 yards and a League leading 52 touchdowns on his way to being named a First-Team, All-Arena performer with the AFL Talons.
This week, Donovan's former team and teammates who helped him achieve such high levels of individual success, will be the ones looking take all of that away, or at the very least, slow his record-setting pace.
"It will feel good to play against my former team, coach, and now quarterback [Justin] Allgood, it's going to be a great game," said Donovan. "They have a couple of great players on their team that I'm still friends with. It's going to be more exciting for me to play against them, since they are coming to play in my hometown."
With four out of five remaining games to be played in Philadelphia, Donovan and the Soul welcome the support a home crowd can provide to their team. Despite this advantage, Donovan understands the need to lead by example and remain focused in all aspects of the game.
"Physically, I don't think anyone can beat us, but we need to play better mentally and play focused to achieve our ultimate goal," said Donovan.
The Captain's ultimate goal does not include posting career and League records, or having the opportunity to play against former teams and current friends. Individual achievements have defined Donovan's Arena Football career, but it is not the legacy that the Captain wishes to leave.
"It's a great individual goal to be on top, but my main goal is to win a championship," said Donovan. "Hopefully we can get things on track, make it to the playoffs, and have a run at the 'ship so we can bring it back home."
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Arena Football League Stories from June 17, 2011
- Predators Come Away Short Against Storm - Orlando Predators
- Storm's Defense Limits Orlando In 46-44 Win - Tampa Bay Storm
- Soul Clipped By Talons And Allgood, Defeated 48-42 - Philadelphia Soul
- Owner/Head Coach Arbet, Former SaberCats Wagner and Hernandez AFL Hall of Fame Finalists - San Jose SaberCats
- AFL Announces 2011 AFL Hall of Fame Finalists - AFL
- Micheaux Robinson - Best in the Business - Jacksonville Sharks
- The Year of the Captain, Donovan Morgan - Philadelphia Soul
- Mustangs Sign Bruising Blocker - Milwaukee Mustangs
- Local Product Peterson Is Latest Addition to Barnstormers - Iowa Barnstormers
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