When Valparaiso’s Tyse and Tyres Morris play video games, they typically team up.
The senior defensive backs are also considering attending the same college.
Of course, the Morris brothers share a special bond. They’re twins, born two minutes apart.
“It’s actually remarkable for siblings,” Valparaiso coach Bill Marshall said. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen them actually get mad at one another. They’ll get mad at other players for not doing their job, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen them quarrel.
“They have a great group of friends that they hang out with, and they are all good at joking with one another and having a good time.”
Marshall likes the Vikings’ willingness to learn and said “Tyse and Tyres really have been leading along the way.” Both earned starting spots last season, with the 5-foot-8, 140-pound Tyres Morris at cornerback and the 5-11, 165-pound Tyse Morris primarily at corner with some time at safety too. Tyse Morris is slated to play mostly at safety this season.
Both have dealt with injuries.
Tyres Morris had nine tackles and an interception for the Vikings (9-3) last year but was sidelined for the first half of the season after suffering a dislocated kneecap. He had been a part-time starter as a sophomore, totaling 23 tackles and four interceptions, and he recorded a tackle and a pass breakup in the Vikings’ win against Whiteland in the Class 5A state championship game. He wears a brace as a precaution.
“I’m getting back my confidence, getting back on the field after my injury,” Tyres Morris said. “I wasn’t back to my full potential last year. But this year, I’m healthy enough to really be here for my team and make plays again.
“We’re both healthy. We’re trying to be here for our team, be in the best shape we can be.”
Indeed, Tyse Morris also is raring to go. He had 13 tackles and an interception last season before it was short-circuited by a concussion he suffered in Week 7. He had missed the first half of his sophomore season with a torn muscle in his left shoulder.
“I’ve become more of a physical player,” Tyse Morris said. “When I first started off, I wasn’t really too sure. Now I have more confidence to play to my ability.”
Marshall emphasized that style of play from Tyse Morris.
“Tyse brings that physicality,” Marshall said. “He’s going to be playing free safety for us, and there were times in the scrimmage against Mishawaka where he’s coming downhill as fast as he can and he’s taking on running backs in the hole for us.
“Tyse really is the quarterback of our defense. He’s able to get us lined up. But he also has that raw physical nature to him. He’s a linebacker at heart, but we have him playing free safety.”
Marshall also highlighted Tyres Morris’ assortment of contributions.
“Tyres brings the energy,” Marshall said. “We love it. He may be one of the smaller guys out here, but he brings absolute energy and sheer joy every time he plays.
“Tyres is really, really good in man-to-man coverage, and he communicates really well.”
Tyres Morris pointed out his passion is emblematic of the team.
“I like our energy that we bring to practice, how competitive we are,” he said. “Everyone has a competitive drive and wants to get out there and make plays.”
Tyse Morris also has been impressed by the Vikings’ attitude.
“I like how aggressive we can be and our confidence,” he said. “When we’re down, we come together as a team.”
Less than two years removed from a memorable run to the state title, the Morris brothers believe this version of the team has similar ability and potential. If Valparaiso puts together such a season, Tyres and Tyse Morris will likely be integral parts. The Vikings start Friday with a game at Penn.
“They know it’s senior year, so it’s a little bit different,” Marshall said. “When they step off the field because of an injury or being hurt, our defense takes a hit. They’re not the key backups anymore. They’re the guys.
“They’re just great kids, great mom and dad, great family. They just enjoy every moment of being out here, and it’s been that way ever since they’ve been with us. It’s not they’re enjoying it only because they’re seniors now. They have had just a sheer joy for playing the game and going through the grind with everyone since the beginning.”