VALLEY / VENTURA COUNTY SPORTS : HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK : Colleges Recognize Growing Potential of Lineman Morris

Ryan Morris was 6 feet 2 and 250 pounds when he was a freshman, but even he didn’t think he’d get this big.

“I figured I’d grow another inch or so, put on a few pounds,” said the Crescenta Valley tackle, who is a senior. “I never dreamed I’d be 6-5, 300.”

Actually, Morris is almost 6-6, weighs 307 pounds and was the most valuable player at the 14-school Glendale Ironman competition last spring.

Major colleges are noticing.

In the last few days, Morris has been contacted by USC, UCLA, Oregon, San Diego State and Cal State Northridge.

Morris’ first priority, however, is getting healthy.

He bruised a knee during practice last week and sat out Crescenta Valley’s scrimmage against Saugus on Saturday.

Coach Alan Eberhart expects Morris to play Thursday in the Falcons’ opener against Thousand Oaks.

Morris, combined with guard Rusty Colborn (6-4, 270) and tackle Donald Dorroh (6-6, 316), gives Crescenta Valley one of the more imposing offensive lines around.

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No, it’s not a mistake on the roster. It’s entirely possible that Glendale High will be starting a 5-foot-2 135-pound outside linebacker.

Don’t snicker.

Gerry Macias, nicknamed “Mighty Mouse,” is quickly moving up the depth chart, especially after an impressive effort Friday night in a scrimmage against Canyon.

“You don’t expect a 5-2, 135-pound kid to be your outside linebacker until you see him nail people like he did,” Coach Pete Smolin said. “This kid is a little ball of muscle and a hitting machine.”