Mornhinweg Arrives

Scout.com went to watch Stanford commitment Skyler Mornhinweg against AAA powerhouse Archbishop Wood on Friday night and right when it looked like the Vikings had their foot on the Prep’s throat, Mornhinweg pulled it off and brought his team all the back into the game.

If you simply went by the box score of Friday night’s game, St. Joseph’s Prep quarterback Skyler Mornhinweg probably had a run of the mill or even underwhelming game for the common fan having gone 11 for 32 for 180 yards, two touchdowns (one of them rushing) and three interceptions, however if you were in attendance at Plymouth Whitemarsh High School on Friday, you’d know the Stanford commitment showed that “it” factor necessary to play at the next level.

With Prep down 21-7 going into the 3rd Quarter, Mornhinweg put his teammates on his back and used his feet to avoid constant pressure from Archbishop Wood’s persistent pass rush while consistently moving the chains. One minutes into the quarter he hit a receiver for a 22-yard touchdown to bring the game within a score, but on ensuing drives drops (which were a constant in the game) and protection simply were big issues. With 1:32 on the clock however, it was time for the junior signal caller to step up. On 4th and 14 he made a 16-yard scramble. On 4th and 9, a 14-yard completion. Then, on another 4th down, Mornhinweg threw a 34-yard completion inside the opponents’ five-yard line.

Scout.com was two yards from the receiver who dropped his first pass in the end zone on 1st down, a score that would have tied the game. On second down, another catchable ball to the other side of the field. On third down Mornhinweg was nearly sacked, however on his way down he flung the ball at a receiver’s foot to get the incompletion. On 4th and Goal from the two yard line Mornhinweg kept the ball himself, was grabbed by the foot and plunged into the end zone making it 21-20. Unfortunately, seconds later the extra point was blocked and his team was defeated.

The point of this extensive breakdown you ask? Scout.com has watched Mornhinweg for three years now as he’s endured extensive scrutiny as the son of an NFL offensive coordinator and on Friday night, there should be no more doubts in his ability as a leader and a quarterback at the next level. Forget the interceptions, a tipped ball and a miscommunication on a route wipe two of them away. Mornhinweg showed the poise and “it” factor that Jim Harbaugh wants in his offense. Here’s our interview with him after the game:

Watch Video