There's nothing like a good, quick opening touchdown drive to impress a quarterback recruit.Â
Oh, and 36,000 fans don't hurt, either.Â
Class of 2022 quarterback MJ Morris came away from his first trip to Lincoln impressed and enthusiastic about what he saw with his mother during a trip to Memorial Stadium for Saturday's Red-White Spring Game.Â
He gushed about the trip after arriving back in Georgia on Sunday.Â
"That was our first time being in that area and it was definitely eye-opening and definitely an amazing experience," he said. "Everything was huge. We walked up to the stadium and I was like, 'Wow, this is absolutely amazing.' You see the Sea of Red — we got down to the stadium about an hour and a half before the game started to find parking and get something to eat and it was just filled with fans. Then you walk into the actual stadium and it seemed like an actual Saturday game, but people said it's not even close to where it usually is."Â
Then junior quarterback Adrian Martinez took Nebraska's offense right down the field and scored a touchdown on the opening drive, hitting Samori Toure for 27 yards and rushing for 27 more.Â
"I loved the offense," Morris said. "I loved that first drive they had when they marched the ball all the way down the field and scored on the first drive. That was definitely something to see, just how that play-calling worked. I could definitely see myself playing for (head coach Scott) Frost under that big crowd and that big Sea of Red."Â
The 6-foot-1, 190-pounder said he chatted with fans in his section, took a few photos and generally just enjoyed the environment over the course of the scrimmage.Â
"It just makes you feel loved at that place," he said.
Morris is rated a four-star prospect by Rivals and the No. 196 player overall in the country. He is also a four-star by the 247Sports Composite (No. 207 nationally), while 247Sports itself considers him a three-star.Â
In recent weeks he has also seen Florida State, Georgia Tech and North Carolina State. The trek to Lincoln was the last one on the docket for him and his family and now they think they're going to be in decision mode shortly. The Seminoles have two quarterbacks in their 2022 class already, but the other three do not yet have a signal-caller committed.Â
The recent round of visits has helped put some of the puzzle pieces in place.
"I have gained a lot," he said. "Of course, it's a little bit harder to gain everything and get the total feel, because of course you can't be around the coaches, you can't be in the locker room and seeing the facilities. It's a little bit different, but I did gain a lot. I got to see it for myself, so I'm glad I got to see each school that I'm really considering in person and being there at their spring games and seeing how it would be like on a normal day there or on a college gameday.Â
"And then, of course, we've done the academic Zoom tours, the Zoom calls and all that, so I feel like I did gain a lot of the information that I needed to make a decision."Â
Decision time could be coming up quickly. Morris said he and his family are planning to sit down and talk within the next couple of weeks.Â
"It's been kind of busy and hard to find time because we're in baseball playoffs right now, but once we find a day, we're going to sit down and talk about it and go through the pros and cons and just pick the best school that's best for me.Â
"We've kind of talked about early-to-mid-May. If that changes, then I will take some officials," Morris said.Â
Where he will land is still up in the air, but the visit to Lincoln was categorically a success.Â
"Overall, I absolutely loved it," Morris said.Â
Photos: All of the sights from the return of the Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin (22) attracts a quartet of defenders in the first quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
White Team quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) throws under pressure in the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Two people wait for tickets before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Fans walk around Memorial Stadium before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Aimire Rodgers, 8, stands in front of the Legacy Statue before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Kash Boggs (right) throws to his grandparents as Drew Milligan climbs on to the Legacy Statue for a picture before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Victor Ortiz (left) helps Kim Bergmark find her tickets on her phone before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Tristan Minderman, Omaha, throws the ball on the east side of the Memorial Stadium before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Caden Haar (left) and Ryan Whiston, both of Lincoln, pose at the Brook Berringer-Tom Osborne statue before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Xander Wilson, of Lincoln, poses at the Brook Berringer-Tom Osborne statue before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost and the Huskers run on to the field to a sea of fans for the first time in the COVID-19 era before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin Jr. (22) runs in the second quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team's Omar Manning (right) is defended by White Team's Phalen Sanford (37) in the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team's Gabe Ervin (22) rushes in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) scrambles during the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Omar Manning (right) anticipates a pass from Adrian Martinez as he's defended by the White Team's Isaiah Harris (37)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Scott Frost walks behind the Red Team during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg throws the ball downfield during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
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KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The White Team's Wyatt Liewer (85) catches a first-down pass in front of the Red Team's Mason Nieman to set up a game-tying touchdown by Liewer moments later on Saturday during the annual Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
White Team quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) signals for one more play as time runs out in the fourth quarter Saturday during the annual Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska football fans are scattered throughout the stadium for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic as the Huskers scrimmage in the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska football fans fill the stadium for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic as the Huskers hosts a team scrimmage during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Samori Toure (6) is tackled by the White Team's Noa Pola-Gates during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team quarterback Logan Smothers (second left) gets sacked by the White Team's Jake Archer in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Ty Hahn catches a pass in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Darius Moore (left) intercepts a pass intended for the White Team's Will Nixon in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team kicker Chase Contreraz (right) kicks an extra point in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Brody Belt rushes for a fourth-quarter touchdown during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Zach Weinmaster (31) tries to avoid the tackle of the White Team's John Bullock (84) in the fourth quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska coach Scott Frost and the Huskers run onto the field before the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost looks down after the White Team intercepts the ball during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Cameron Jurgens (left) and Riley Moses get into position during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska coach Scott Frost (left) speaks to quarterback Adrian Martinez before the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
The Red Team's Marvin Scott (left) runs the ball as the White Team's Isaac Gifford goes in for the tackle during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Former Nebraska assistant coach and player Ryan Held was announced Tuesday as the new head football coach at UNK.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Fans chant "Go Big Red" moments before the players take the field at the Red-White Spring Game in 2021 at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
A Nebraska fan celebrates with others after catching a hot dog fired from a cannon during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Gabe Ervin narrowly avoids being tackled by the White's John Bullock in the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Tyson Guzman (left) is pushed back by the White Team's Trevin Luben in the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska graduate assistant Hunter Miller looks up at the scoreboard in the second half of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday, May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
In what turned out to be his final Red-White Spring Game, Adrian Martinez scrambles around looking for an open receiver in the first quarter on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
White Team quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (10) scrambles away from David Alston as head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Red Team's Gabe Ervin (left) protects the ball as he rushes against Damian Jackson (38) in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Nebraska student section cheers on the Huskers before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Red Team's Gabe Ervin (22) rushes in the second quarter during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
The Nebraska student section stands for the national anthem during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Nebraska student section cheers as the Huskers make their way onto the field for the Tunnel Walk before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Nebraska student section cheers on the Huskers during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska senior wide receiver Samori Toure (6) hasn't played in a college football game since Dec. 13, 2019, when he was still at the University of Montana. That drought finally ends Saturday when NU kicks off against Illinois.Â
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
The Red Team's Travis Vokolek (83) fends off the tackle of Jackson Hannah in the first quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin (22) runs the ball as head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Quarterbacks coach Mario Verduzco watches the Red Team warm up before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska director of high school relations Kenny Wilhite pulls up his mask before the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost (left) smiles at offensive line coach Greg Austin after the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team quarterback Logan Smothers (bottom center) runs the ball while pursued by the White Team's Zach Schlager (right)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
A referee watches the action during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Logan Smothers (far left) is sacked by the White Team's Jake Archer during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Beau Psencik (center) is tackled by the White Team's John Bullock (top) and Lane McCallum in the second half during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Red Team running back Gabe Ervin protects the ball as he's confronted by the White Team's Braxton Clark during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Red Team starting quarterback Adrian Martinez (right) speaks with wide receiver Omar Manning as they walk off the field at the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
The Red Team's Marvin Scott III (second right) is swallowed up by White Team defenders Jackson Hannah (first right) and Isaac Gifford (right) as teammate Austin Allen (left) looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska football fans fill the stadium for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg (center) jumps in an attempt to avoid a tackle from the Red Team's Ashton Hausmann (29)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska quarterback Heinrich Haarberg throws the ball downfield during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Young Husker fans bide their time while waiting for the Nebraska football team to begin play during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterbacks Logan Smothers (center left) and Heinrich Haarberg (center right) walk along the sideline during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1, 2021, at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star file photo
Nebraska starting quarterback Adrian Martinez (2) is tagged down by the White Team's Blaise Gunnerson (24) and pursued by Jimari Butler (17) during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
The Red Team's Gabe Ervin (center) is pushed by teammates as he attempts to carry the ball for a few extra yards during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
Journal Star file photo
Nebraska quarterback Adrian Martinez (center), playing for the Red Team, tries to elude by the White Team's Braxton Clark (left) and Myles Farmer during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Nebraska fans watch football from Memorial Stadium seats for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday.
KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) throws a pass as Huskers' head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Gabe Heins (right) attempts a field goal in the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Matt Masker (18) throws the ball as Huskers' head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) looks for an open receiver as Huskers' head coach Scott Frost looks on during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Offensive linemen Keegan Manning (71) and Noah Stafursky (62) take on Jamin Graham (89)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Gabe Ervin Jr. (bottom) gets tackled in the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) hands off the ball to running back Gabe Ervin (22)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Adrian Martinez (2) takes off on a run during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Adrian Martinez (2) hands off the ball to running back Gabe Ervin Jr. (22)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
John Bullock (right) attempts to strip the ball from Oliver Martin during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska head coach Scott Frost watches the action on the field during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
Isaiah Harris (37) runs for a touchdown in the third quarter of the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Mike Dawson (left) and Tony Tuioti watch the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Travis Fisher talks to cornerback Braxton Clark (11)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star file photo
John Goodwin (46) defends Blaise Gunnerson (24)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
FRANCIS GARDLER, Journal Star
Nebraska assistant coach Mike Dawson (right) talks to linebacker Blaise Gunnerson (24)Â during the Red-White Spring Game on Saturday, May 1 at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Nash Hutmacher (72) pursues Logan Smothers (8) during the 2021 Red-White Spring Game at Memorial Stadium.
JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO
Contact the writer at pgabriel@journalstar.com or 402-473-7439. On Twitter @HuskerExtraPG.
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