By Ryan Murken

IOWA CITY, Iowa – As a highly sought-after recruit, Marcus Morgan had plenty of options for athletics after high school.

Before he could settle on a future school the West High multi-sport standout had to make a decision on his collegiate sport.

Morgan did both on Friday when the four-sport standout gave a verbal commitment to play baseball at Iowa with a post on social media.

“I first want to thank god for providing clarity and guidance throughout this process and for allowing me to continue to play a sport I love. To be in this position is humbling and truly a blessing,” Morgan wrote on Twitter. “Secondly, I want to thank my family for their unconditional support, specifically my mom and dad and my older siblings for showing me what it takes and setting an example for me. I wouldn’t be here without their sacrifice and support.

Special shout-out to all of my coaches I’ve had throughout the years who believe in me and helped shape me into the player and man I am today. Lastly, I want to thank my teammates and friends for always having my back. With that being said, I’m very excited to announce my commitment to The University of Iowa to continue my academic and baseball career! I’m super grateful for this opportunity. Let get to it.”

A three-year varsity starter, Morgan is widely considered one of the top pitchers and best all-around players in the state.

The hard-throwing right-hander owns a career 17-3 record and 1.49 ERA and has struck out 186 in 117 1/3 innings over the past three seasons.

Morgan went 6-1 with a 1.75 ERA as a freshman before emerging as one of the most dominant pitchers in the state a year later with an impressive sophomore season.

Morgan went 10-0 with a .71 ERA as a sophomore in 2019, striking out 105 in 59 1/3 innings while leading West High to the Class 4A semifinals and earning first-team all-state honors.

In a pandemic shortened 2020 season Morgan posted a 1-2 record and 3.18 ERA with 34 strikeouts in 22 innings.

Morgan has been a unanimous Mississippi Valley Conference all-division first team pick each of the past two seasons.

A multi-year starter in basketball and a state medalist in the high jump Morgan was also a coveted football recruit as a quarterback.

The all-time leading passer in West High history with 5,260 yards, Morgan was a three-time all-state pick on the gridiron after earning first-team all-state honors as a senior.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Morgan completed 67 percent of his passes as a senior while throwing for 1,662 yards and 17 touchdowns in seven games.

Morgan also rushed for 213 yards and six scores, caught a touchdown pass and returned an interception for a touchdown this fall.

He held scholarship offers in football from Iowa State, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, Grambling State, Toledo, Ball State, Central Michigan and Dartmouth.

Morgan is the son of former Iowa basketball player Michael Morgan.