Recruiting Report: Morgan Safford (2019)
Bishop Hartley’s 6’4” guard Morgan Safford (2019) is early in his junior year of high school. But, when it comes to making a decision about college, Stafford has a mature approach.
“I’m just looking for a family fit. I’m a very big family person, so anywhere that has a family atmosphere and helps develop me into becoming a man and take on the world. Any school that can help me develop that in the four years I’m at school is a fit for me,” Stafford said.
Stafford also shows maturity when it comes to attacking the basket. This grassroots season for C2K Elite, Stafford changed games with scoring outbursts on physical drives.
“I think my biggest impact is bringing energy and scoring the ball, and for me it can come in packs … Most of my points come in mid-range. I think that’s where my bread and butter is,” Stafford said.
Over the summer, Stafford played primarily on the wing. As he explained to us, that will change this winter for Hartley.
“For Hartley, I have to be more of the point guard position than it is for C2K. For C2K, we had DJ [Dial], so I slid down to the 3 or 4 position,” Stafford said.
Gaining experience at a different position during the Under Armour Association (UAA) afforded Stafford the opportunity to grow as a defender.
“I’m comfortable defending 1-4. During UAA, I guard 6’9”, 6’8”. So I can guard at the big and I can guard at the perimeter,” Stafford said.
Recruitment
Stafford enters his upperclassmen years without an offer. But, he projects as a Division I player.
“I have interest from Eastern Michigan, Furman, Toledo, Miami of Ohio, Wright State, Indiana State, Georgetown, and that’s pretty much it right now. And Kent State, I go to a visit to Kent State on the 30th,” Stafford said.
Kent State will be his second college visit, as he also went to Ohio University last fall. A third will come in October.
“I have junior day at Furman on October 14,” Stafford said.
As mentioned, Stafford is seeking a college experience that will develop him into a man. At this time, Stafford likes what he’s hearing from Eastern Michigan and Furman.
“I like Furman a lot. I also like Eastern Michigan, I like the philosophy that they have there and playing in the MAC. I just like the feel that I have with the coaches when I talk to them.” Stafford continued on about Furman, “So, for Furman, they show me a lot of love, they contact me the most — at least every day. I feel like that would be a good fit for me. Plus, the school has very high academics that will help me prepare myself.”
With Furman being in Greenville, SC, Stafford later clarified that location will not be an issue.
At this time, Stafford carries a 3.0 GPA and will take his first ACT in the winter.
Going forward, he hopes to add more wiggle on the dribble-drive.