Myrtle Beach — The high-octane Myrtle Beach offense needed someone to fill in at wide receiver receiver during last week's Class 3A Lower State championship game with Jaquan Wilson out injured.
There was little hesitation on coach Mickey Wilson's part: Morgan Byrd was there to fill the hole.
"He's pretty much played every receiver position we have," Wilson said. "He can play the X; he can play the slot; he can play the Z. ... (Against Marlboro County) we grabbed Morgan and said 'Go play Z.' He hadn't played it all year, but he can do that. He's just such a versatile kid for us."
Video from around the world
Byrd, a senior, splits time at receiver, running back, punt and kickoff returner and defensive back, as well as taking snaps in the 'Rhino' package, Myrtle Beach's take on the Wildcat.
In 111 carries, Byrd has 709 yards and 20 touchdowns. Receiving, he has 17 receptions for 252 yards and four touchdowns. Add another 223 yards on punt and kickoff returns, and you have player with nearly 1,200 yards this season after playing quarterback two years ago on junior varsity.
"I've just always been doing a lot of different things," Byrd said. "Playing some safety, some corner on defense. I really enjoy being able to do a lot of different things. It keeps things new each week. There's always something a little different."
The only lack of diversity comes when teammates have to describe what Byrd means to the team.
"Morgan is a tremendous asset to the team," quarterback Everett Golson said. "He brings a lot to the table. He can do anything - kickoff, defense, whatever you want him to do."
Said receiver Donte Sumpter: "He's unique in what he does. He brings that intensity to the team. He's a leader, as far as quarterback, running back, receiver, punt return, kick return. He does a lot."
Byrd's running ability was first noticed as a JV quarterback since the coaches used lots of option plays. Later, when working him out at wide receiver, coaches had Byrd try out returning kicks.
But when asked if he had to choose one position to dedicate himself to, Byrd said running back.
"I like to stick my nose in there and go head-on-head with somebody," he said. "I like to think sometimes I can deliver a blow, and if I need to turn on the speed, I can do that, too."
E-Mail
Print
Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. 
