Analysis: Last year, there was no game plan on Morris. It's unclear to how many people knew what to expect from her in her first couple of meets, if anything. This year is different. She is no longer a freshman and now we know....everybody knows. She is good and a year later possibly faster and stronger. Morris is an intimidating figure on the line. She is strong and she runs aggressive, I wouldn't advise getting in her way, not that she gives much opportunity for competitors to do so. In 2016, Morris reeled off three consecutive wins at some of the biggest meets in Texas and against some of the best talent in Texas with two of those being Marcus I Invitational and the Southlake Carroll Invitational. She dropped a fast 17:56.78 at McNeil and then a 5K PR of 18:04.00 on her way to fifth place at the UIL 5A state cross country meet.
Can Morris run faster and really become a national elite talent? To do so, rest over the off season will have been important for Morris who ran summer track last summer, cross, and then indoor and outdoor track seasons. Another big important factor for Morris will be strength. An improved base will enable her to run with the fittest of the fit in cross season. Adding improved strength with her motor and speed could be deadly as Morris has track PRs of 2:11.32 for 800m, 4:53.02 for 1600m, and an early season 10:48.62 3200m. She added a UIL 5A state championship and runner up in the spring, so be on the look out for Morris to want more this cross season.