When Fred T. Farrier was named the interim head football coach at Morgan State in February 2016, he took over a program rich in tradition but struggling on the field. The Bears were also deficient in the classroom, and in April, the NCAA prohibited Morgan State from qualifying for postseason play due to a low Academic Progress Rate.
During a 3-8 season that concluded with a 35-24 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory against Savannah State Nov. 26, a total of 15 Morgan State football players earned recognition on the league's All-Academic Team. The improved academic performance was gratifying for Farrier, who was named the program's permanent head coach Dec. 8.
"Academics is the No. 1 reason why they're here," said Farrier, who served as Morgan State's offensive coordinator for two seasons before former head coach Lee Hull left to become the receivers coach of the NFL's Indianapolis Colts. "I stress academics all day, every day. We make sure that these guys are doing what they should be doing. As we continue, we'll see even more progress."
