Morton Spin-Off Is Also Enjoying a Successful Run

He is the USC spin doctor, always finding a way to put a positive spin on a potentially negative situation.

When Chad Morton came to the Trojans, he was burdened with the role of being Johnnie Morton’s kid brother. But Chad has managed to spin out of the large shadow of Morton, a USC All-American before leaping into a successful NFL career, to find some daylight of his own.

Chad was supposed to be too small at 5 feet 8 and 185 pounds to be successful as a running back, going up against the large defensive linemen he constantly finds in his path. The Trojans moved him all over the field in his two previous seasons, from special teams to cornerback to free safety to wide receiver to tailback.

But don’t look for Morton to move again. He has gone from being a jack-of-all-trades to a master at tailback, again putting a new spin on an old theory by proving that a small man can put up big rushing totals. Using his speed, cutting ability and toughness Saturday on a muddy Coliseum field, he managed to grind out 128 yards against the Irish of Notre Dame, enabling him to finish the season with 967 yards on the ground, just short of his goal of 1,000, but far more than could be expected of a player in his first full year at the position who was slowed by back and ankle injuries.

“I’m going to keep proving everybody wrong,” Morton said. “Hopefully, people will realize that small running backs can run, even in the pros, and that they are not just third-down backs.”

But Morton saved his best spin move for the most crucial moment Saturday. With USC locked in a scoreless tie with the Irish in the third quarter, the Trojans found themselves in familiar territory at the Notre Dame 28-yard line. Time and again Saturday night, the Trojans had seemed on the verge of putting together the drive that would break the deadlock, only to break down on Notre Dame’s doorstep.

This time, they handed the ball to Morton, who took off, found his path blocked on the left side, but adjusted with a 360-degree spin that left the Irish with their feet anchored in the mud and Morton on his way to a 21-yard gain, setting up the Trojan’s only touchdown in a 10-0 victory.

“I was supposed to go to the right,” Morton said, “but I did the spin move and tried to get all I could.”

Morton is always trying to get an edge. He actually spent some of his practice time last summer working on a spin move for just such an occasion as Saturday night.

Morton plans to come back next season, excited about what he feels he can accomplish now that he knows the position, if only he can stay injury free.

“I want that 12-game season,” he said. “My goals next year will be ridiculous. I want it all. This year is just a treat for what comes next year.”

It may be tough trying to catch the Trojan spinmeister, but it can be kind of tough blocking for him as well, considering that the offensive lineman never know exactly which way he’s whirling. But they’re not complaining.

“Because he’s a little guy,” USC guard Travis Claridge said, “he’s always able to make something happen.”

Besides, why complain when you’re getting a trip to Las Vegas, all expenses paid. Morton had promised his underrated offensive linemen that, if they got him 1,000 yards this season, they would get the Vegas trip.

Morton announced Saturday night that, even though he came up 33 yards short in the regular season, the trip is on.

“I’m going to take the whole line,” Morton said, “and the backups and the fullback and see if even the receivers want to go.”

Claridge is planning to go, but certainly not reaching into his own wallet.

“I’m broke,” Claridge said. “Let Chad pay. He’s got a brother who plays big-time ball.”

Let’s see Morton spin his way out of this one.