Malik McMorris returns to Cal as a graduate assistant
A true Golden Bear returns home!
An old friend is back in Berkeley! Glad to see you again Malik McMorris!
Malik McMorris was a fan favorite for many Golden Bears for many years. Recruited by Sonny Dykes originally as a defensive tackle, he was converted to a jumbo back who was used primarily for blocking but also occasionally came out of the backfield to catch. It earned him a lot of excitement from the Cal faithful, as you can see why from many of the football catches here.
McMorris was also a two-sport athlete, competing at track and field in both the shot put and discus and performed solidly. He walked onto both football and track and managed to become a top performer in both. More from Cal Athletics.
Academics was always important in the McMorris household. So when Malik had an opportunity to come to Cal, he took advantage of it.
Coming out of high school, McMorris had scholarship offers in both football and track. However, Cal was the only school that would allow him to do both while offering him the opportunity to study at the No. 1 public university in the country. So he walked on to both the football and track teams.
"Cal embodies a lot of the things she taught me in the classroom," McMorris said. "Coming to Cal is a blessing on the field and in the track ring as well."
McMorris dedicated much of his accomplishments to his mother, who passed away from breast cancer. More from the Daily Cal:
Despite not normally being a pass-catcher, he was prepared to make the play in crunch time. His size bears little meaning when it comes to his footwork and light movement, as he showed with the yards after the catch. And his excitement after making the big play showed his passion for the game. A video clip of the game ends by zooming in on McMorris and his pink mouth guard, which he wears in honor of his late mother, Lucy Guerrero.
After graduating from Cal, McMorris spent his last two years at Utah as a defensive administrative assistant, winning the Pac-12 twice with the Utes on staff. Could McMorris be the good luck charm?
Welcome home Malik!
Absolutely loved seeing him in the game as a big man who could run a route. Had the good fortune to meet him and discovered he's also a wonderful human being. Glad he's back after tasting some success away.
Love it!