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Former Bowling Green quarterback James Morgan announced he was leaving the program in late November, but his destination is finally official. The redshirt sophomore will travel down south to Miami to continue his career with the FIU Panthers.
Morgan revealed the news Thursday afternoon on Twitter and included a presumably photoshopped picture of himself in an FIU uniform as part of the post:
My commitment: pic.twitter.com/JG8ndnqfEK
— James Morgan (@Jmoneyyy12) January 25, 2018
In two seasons at Bowling Green, Morgan earned 13 starts at quarterback.
During his freshman season, he replaced James Knapke as the starter around late September and led the team to three-consecutive victories to cap off the year. It was during this 2016 run when Morgan threw for his single game bests in yards (389 vs. Miami University) and touchdowns (5 vs. Toledo).
Morgan was the Falcons' starter to kick off the 2017 campaign. An 0-3 start led to the team inserting freshman Jarret Doege into the starting lineup, but Morgan would eventually return to the field after Doege suffered an injury. The sophomore delivered Bowling Green's first victory of the season in a 37-29 upset over the Miami RedHawks. He did not play in the final four games, as it appeared that the younger Doege is likely to win the starting role for 2018.
Morgan's new program, FIU, experienced one of its best seasons in program history a year ago. With Butch Davis taking over the reigns as head coach, the Panthers finished 8-5, qualifying for bowl season for the first time since 2011 and just the third time since rising to the FBS in 2004. Eight wins marks an FIU record, so the program is excellent shape for now.
Longtime Panthers starting quarterback Alex McGough has finally graduated, so Morgan could potentially take over that job. He is considered a graduate transfer, so he is eligible to play immediately. Sophomores Maurice Alexander (who saw plenty of playing time in the Bad Boy Mowers Gasparilla Bowl) and Christian Alexander are expected to compete with Morgan for the starting role.