Morgan may be UNH’s best option

By rbrown
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Updated: April 29, 2024

The University of New Hampshire hasn’t named a starting quarterback for the 2024 season, but things seem to be pointing toward Seth Morgan being behind center when UNH plays at Central Florida on Aug. 29.

“We’re not going announce (Morgan) as QB1 just yet, but I thnk it’s trending that way,” UNH coach Rick Santos said following the team’s annual spring game Friday night. “Really happy with him.”

Morgan began his college career at VMI, but transferred to Division II Shepherd University. He then moved on to UNH after former UNH QB Max Brosmer transferred to Minnesota. Morgan completed 239 of 364 passes for 2,970 yards and 24 touchdowns for Shepherd last season.

Morgan completed 14 of 21 passes for 188 yards and three touchdowns in the UNH spring game. He has one season of eligibility remaining.

“I think I bring a lot of experience, both at the Division I and Division II levels,” Morgan said. Played at a high-level Division II in the PSAC (Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference). I’d like to think that I’m a very accurate passer. That’s something I pride myself on. I’m a good decision-maker. I know how to take care of the ball. I thnk all that’s come from the experience I’ve. I’s say those are definitely my biggest strengths.

“This is my second time transferring now, so I’ve been through the whole process of learning a new offense. I think (Drew) Belcher is my fifth offensive coordinator, so I’ve seen every scheme in the book. The biggest thing for me is just learning the new terminology. What they call a certain play here versus what I used to call it at a different school. I feel like I’m in a great spot, but still work to do for sure.”

Brosmer was at Wildcat Stadium on Friday night. Morgan said Brosmer has been helpful ever since he committed to UNH.

“I got to meet Max on my (recruiting) visit,” Morgan said. “Couldn’t have been a better guy to talk to. Very welcoming of me. I’ve had the opportunity to text him a handful of times with questions about the offense. Always very timely response and helping me out. He’s been a great person to talk to.”

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Bedford High School graduate Ryan Toscano will serve as a team captain for the 2024 season. Toscano, an inside linebacker, is one of five captains selected by the UNH players.

“I’m extremely thankful for not only being named captain and not only being given the opportunity to come here, but it’s the entire journey,” Toscano said following the spring game. “The ups, the downs, the fun moments, the Covid year, school, sports – everything.

“I would say six years ago when I walked on here if you told me I was going to be named captain it was probably a good thought, but I wouldn’t have believed you to be honest. Just very thankful for my coaches, my teammates and everyone who has helped me get to this point. Really, really excited for this whole year to come.”

Wide receiver Logan Tomlinson, defensive end Josiah Silver, safety Zedane Williams and offensive lineman Dylan Poirier are the other players selected as captains.

Toscano, a senior, was New Hampshire’s Gatorade Player of the Year during his senior season at Bedford, when he led the Bulldogs to the NHIAA Division I championship.

Toscano appeared in all 13 UNH games during the 2022 season, and led the team with 76 tackles (31 solo) in 11 games last season.

“I think the years that I wasn’t on money and I was kind of the low guy on the totem pole taught me a lot about work ethic and consistency,” Toscano said. “Just go to work every day. I’ve had that chip on my shoulder since Day 1.

“I was hopeful (about being a captain), but again, the big thing is the opportunity to be a part of this great team, have the opportunity to represent my home state, play for UNH. Extremely honored to have the support of my teammates and my coaches.”

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Tomlinson and defensive back Wande Owens were among those who didn’t play Friday. Tomlinson was in a walking boot with an ankle sprain. Owens, a transfer from Yale, missed the game to attend his brother’s wedding.

“He’s solidified himself as the starting free safety,” Santos said. “Smart, tough, can cover. Really athletic.”

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Barry Kleinpeter was the only UNH quarterback not in a red jersey Friday night. The reason? Kleinpeter was also used as a running back.

“Really excited about Barry Kleinpeter as an overall football player. I don’t know right now if he’s (ready) to start at quarterback, but we have to find a way to put him on the football field. He’s a physical runner. We’re going to have to create a package for him, whether that’s QB, running back, H-Back … something to get him in the game. He’s one of the hardest runners we have. He can help us move the chains.”

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Santos on 6-foot-5, 305-pound offensive lineman Tolu Olajide, a transfer from Stonehill: “I think Tolu’s a guy who has shown flashes of greatness. He’s so athletic. He’s one of the best looking kids that we have on the team in terms of his length, and his athleticism for that size. I would imagine he’s going to work his way into the starting lineup.”

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Santos said UNH is looking to add a linebacker, an offensive lineman and an offensive skill-position player in time for those players to enroll in summer school.

“Probably three more guys,” he said. “We’ve had official visits the last month, every weekend.”

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