LAWRENCE — Even though Sevion Morrison’s name isn’t on the two-deep depth chart at running back, the redshirt junior still makes his presence felt on gameday.
Last week against Lindenwood, Morrison ran eight times for 28 yards and a touchdown in KU’s 48-3 win where the backups played the second half. On the team’s opening drive of the third quarter, Morrison carried eight times, including seven straight that culminated in a 1-yard TD run that took 6 minutes and 32 seconds off the clock.
“It was a drive,” Morrison said Tuesday. “It didn’t really feel like it though. When you’re working towards a goal of getting it to the end zone, you’re just ready for it. You’re getting up after every play and you’re like ‘next play, come on, we got to advance.’”
No. 19 KU ran for 287 yards against Lindenwood, though Jayhawks might have a more difficult time this week as they travel Saturday to play Illinois. The two teams met last year with KU winning 34-23 as Devin Neal rushed for 120 yards and Daniel Hishaw added 98.
Morrison, however, didn’t play that game and appeared in only five games last season because of injuries. But now healthy, Morrison gives KU a little more depth at the position, and Neal and Hishaw are two of his biggest fans.
“That’s what’s really neat is watching those guys come together,” KU coach Lance Leipold said. “I think that’s part of the process at that position because you want to talk about a competition and being competitive.
“And when you’re younger sometimes that’s frightening. But now they’ve come to understand that there’s opportunities for everybody. And there is a waiting period, but all in all they’re pulling for each other. Sevion has had trouble staying healthy, and because of that Daniel and Devin really see his potential and are really pulling for him.”
The 6-foot, 215-pound Morrison grew up in Tulsa, Okla., and began his college career at Nebraska. As a freshman in 2021, he played in seven games then transferred to KU. In 2022, he played in 12 games for the Jayhawks, carrying 23 times or 165 yards and a touchdown before being limited last season.
KU, however, really likes its depth at running back as freshmen Johnny Thompson (5 carries for 32 yards) and Harry Stewart (7 carries for 34 yards) each contributed against Lindenwood.
“Johnny played fast, and I’m proud of him,” Morrison said. “I told him I love where your eyes were running downhill. And Harry on top of that running downhill. We know what Harry brings to the table. But I love it when they both play fast. It just looks amazing.”
KU is hoping it plays downhill against the Fighting Illini, which gave up only 49 yards rushing to Eastern Illinois last week.
“They’re a pretty sound defense, aggressive,” Morrison said. “Big Ten football.”
