Morris signs with ENMU

SILSBEE — Matsyn Morris has spent most of his life on the Silsbee football sideline. On Monday, he took the next step toward continuing that career at the college level. Morris signed his letter of intent May 18 in the Silsbee High School library to continue his academic and athletic career at Eastern New Mexico University, where he will play football for the Greyhounds. For Morris, the opportunity is the result of years spent around the Tiger program. He has been on the sideline for every Silsbee football game since 2016, first as a ball boy and later as a player. His senior season included being voted a team captain by his teammates and earning Academic All-State honors. “I don’t think I’d be here today without Silsbee and what Coach Smith has done for me,” Morris said. Morris said Eastern New Mexico stood out because of the coaching staff and campus facilities. He said he wanted the chance to play for a well-known coach like Art Briles and said the program’s facilities made a strong impression. “Facilities are really nice,” Morris said. At Eastern New Mexico, Morris said he expects to play as a roll-down safety. Off the field, he plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology and sports management, with the long-term goal of becoming a college football coach. Morris said the playoff games were among the highlights of his high school career. He said his time with the Tigers gave him lifelong friendships with teammates and lifelong mentors in his coaches. The memories also include family ties. Morris said one of the moments he will carry with him forever is getting to play alongside his brothers, Haegyn and Hudsyn, while also playing under his father throughout high school. “Being on the field and being able to play with Haegyn and Hudsyn,” Morris said. “Getting to play under my dad all four years.” Silsbee football congratulated Morris on the signing, saying his Tiger family is proud of him and excited to see what comes next as he begins his college career at Eastern New Mexico.