Ah, the exuberance of youth.
Redskins rookie running back Alfred Morris, entering his first professional December, said he’s not worried about the rookie wall.
“I was built for this,” Morris said, via Rich Campbell of the Washington Times. “I was made for this. It’s just the truth. I can take a lot of beating. I don’t think I’ll ever meet the rookie wall.”
He better not, because the Redskins will need him Monday against the Giants.
Morris is 18 yards short of 1,000, and needs just 81 the rest of the way to break Reggie Brooks’ franchise rookie record. For a guy who was hoping to fit in wherever this year, it’s a pretty impressive achievement.
“It would mean a lot,” Morris said. “I didn’t think I was going to even see the field until the fifth, sixth game. For that to happen would be an honor, especially with such a storied franchise. I’d be thankful and still be humble.”
He’s made adjustments to his game, notably in terms of taking care of himself. He said he never considered getting into a cold tub until since-cut veteran Tim Hightower taught him the benefits, and he’s taken other measures to keep himself ready, such as massages.
“It’s not a pleasure massage,” Morris said. “Those things hurt, but afterwards you feel a lot better.”
That he’s still fresh has caught the eye of coaches, who never know what to expect from first-year players this time of year.
“He’s been good all year — I think that’s been the most impressive thing about him,” offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan said. “He has never hit a rookie wall. He runs so hard, and I have never seen him wear down at all. He keeps grinding on everything.”
One day Morris will learn how hard it actually is. But for the moment, the young legs are still carrying him.