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01/09/2019 11:00 PMIt didn’t matter when or where the training was taking place. JP Nye was all about constantly working hard to master his craft as a member of the Morgan football squad. JP’s efforts paid big dividends for both himself and the Huskies during the 2018 fall season.
JP plays football, basketball, and lacrosse at Morgan. This fall, he led the Huskies’ football team on the comeback trail as a senior captain quarterback. After working his way through the ranks and earning sporadic varsity appearances the past few years, JP made the most of his opportunity in his senior season. He finished the campaign with single-season school-record totals of 206 completions and 2,925 passing yards, helping the Huskies claim three victories after they had gone winless last year.
“We did some passing leagues in the summer, and my receivers reached out and did them to stay sharp. Even if it didn’t help improve our skill, it helped improve our team chemistry,” JP says. “Those little workouts paid off for my receivers. They and my offensive line were big helps for me this year.”
While playing quarterback, JP quickly learned that he could set the emotional tone for Morgan’s offense and, to an extent, his entire team. JP kept everyone on an even keel, while strengthening his arm for the long haul.
“As a leader, I improved because, as a captain, I felt a responsibility to step up. I started to keep my composure as the year went on,” JP says. “My arm didn’t improve that much, but it got a little better throughout the season. I started placing the ball better and got more endurance on it. I also developed a lot as a runner.”
With all eyes on him for every snap, JP doubled as a director who had to cast his plays with precision. It may seem like a lot of pressure, but JP welcomed the heat, because he wanted to make a major impact as a quarterback.
“It’s tough standing in the pocket and being the leader, because you have to constantly be directing guys,” says JP. “I like having control over every play. I always have a chance to make a play, rather than being on the sideline.”
Even in a defeat, JP turned in a huge performance when Morgan faced rival Old Saybrook-Westbrook in its regular-season finale this fall. JP finished the game with 403 passing yards and threw three touchdowns with no interceptions. He also completed 35 passes, putting him in ninth place on the state’s all-time list for a single-game total.
“It was a great way to go out. Of course, we wanted to win, but it was great for the whole team,” says JP. “Our receivers made great catches for a lot of yards. We were happy with the way we played.”
Huskies’ Head Coach Peter Nye, who is also JP’s father, says that JP has a penchant for making hard calls on the dime. He adds that his son always examines the finer details in everything he does.
“JP is a natural leader, and it stems from his confidence as a decision maker. It extends beyond football, as he is the senior class president and active in school and community events,” Coach Nye says. “I attribute a lot of the cultivation of his leadership skills to the various programs offered at Morgan to develop kids with a talent for it. He is intelligent and quick-witted, which can be challenging, as he demands clarity or purpose, whether it be practice drills or game-plans.”
JP’s rise to success on the gridiron has also paid dividends for him in the classroom. JP learned that setting an objective and then dedicating yourself to attaining it is an invaluable skill to have in life.
“This year showed me that hard work can pay off. I didn’t play as a starting quarterback my previous seasons and then filled in as a receiver as a junior, but it motivated me going into this year,” says JP. “It also paid off in my schoolwork. I learned I have to keep working every day and set goals academically, as well.”