Post-OSU Update: Derek Morris wasn’t ruled academically eligible until the Fall of 2002. He was unable to practice with the team due to an ongoing NCAA investigation. Morris asked for and got his release from Ohio State in September of 2002. He enrolled at North Carolina State in January of 2003. He started the final five games of the 2003 season for the Wolfpack. I can’t find anything else about his football career. (updated: Aug. 2025)

2002 Media Guide: A first-team USA Today All- America pick … also named to the Parade All-America squad … on everyone’s most wanted list … has size, speed and great athletic ability
… G & W Recruiting Service ranks him as the nation’s top offensive lineman and the eighth best offensive player overall … ranked by Rivals.com as the nation’s fourth best offensive tackle … graded out to 89 percent as a senior and was credited with 28 pancake blocks … lists former Buckeye All-American and Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award winner Orlando Pace as his idol … nickname is “Waffle” in tribute to Pace, who made the pancake block famous at Ohio State … Ohio State’s last and biggest commitment … is the son of Derek and Marylin Morris … high school coach – Scott Sherrill … born Dec. 14, 1983.