Behren Morton: The Complete Biography & Career Breakdown

Behren Morton has become one of the most talked-about college quarterbacks in recent seasons. Known for his resilience, leadership, and offensive production, Morton’s name has steadily risen within NFL Draft circles and among college football fans alike. In this detailed profile, we cover Morton’s journey from high school phenom to Texas Tech starting quarterback, his 247Sports recruiting profile, family background, injury history, and the latest NFL Draft outlook.
Early Life & Background
Age, Birth & Upbringing
Behren Morton was born on January 17, 2002 in Lubbock, Texas, where his father was working as a high school football coach.
Growing up in a football-centric environment, Morton was exposed to the sport at a young age. His father, James Morton, played a pivotal role in his development—not just as a dad—but also as his head coach in high school.
High School Career
Eastland High School Standout
Morton attended Eastland High School in Eastland, Texas, where he became the Mavericks’ starting quarterback as a freshman. His local prominence quickly turned statewide as he dominated competition throughout his high school career.
District MVP & Elite Production
Morton earned District 5-3A MVP honors three consecutive years due to his consistent production:
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Freshman Year: 2,435 passing yards, 18 TDs, plus rushing contributions.
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Junior Year: 2,766 passing yards, 29 TDs.
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Senior Year: 3,613 passing yards, 37 TDs, and a devastating 893 rushing yards with 19 rushing TDs.
This impressive production placed Morton among the elite high school quarterbacks in Texas and made him a top recruit.
247Sports Recruiting Profile
On 247Sports, Morton was consistently evaluated as a four-star recruit, recognized for his strong arm, athleticism, and leadership traits. He was ranked among the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2021 and drew interest from several Power 5 programs.
Morton ultimately committed to Texas Tech University, choosing the Red Raiders over offers from schools like Baylor, SMU, TCU, and Texas A&M—a testament to both his loyalty and fit within Texas Tech’s offensive system.
College Career at Texas Tech
Early Years & Rising Up
Morton redshirted as a true freshman in 2021. In 2022, he earned playing time as the third-string quarterback, but injuries to teammates propelled him into action. In his first starts, Morton showed poise and playmaking ability, finishing with multiple touchdown passes and competitive outings.
Establishing Himself
By 2023, Morton became the Red Raiders’ full-time starter after early season injuries to other quarterbacks. He produced multiple big plays and earned accolades such as Big 12 Newcomer of the Week.
Breakout Performance & Awards
During his Texas Tech career, Morton earned several honors:
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Named to the preseason Manning Award watch list for top college quarterbacks.
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Earned MVP honors in the Independence Bowl after a commanding performance.
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Recognized weekly by Pro Football Focus and Big 12 awards committees.
Injury History & Comeback
Shoulder Injury
Morton has battled injuries throughout his college career, most notably a significant shoulder injury sustained in 2023 that affected his 2024 season. Despite battling a sprained AC joint, he continued playing and showed grit on the field.
Surgery & Recovery
Morton underwent shoulder surgery in late 2024 and missed parts of spring practice to ensure full recovery. By the 2025 season, he had regained full health and returned as the starting quarterback.
Leg & Other Setbacks
In the 2025 season, Morton also dealt with additional issues, including a leg injury that forced him out of the opener but did not keep him sidelined long.
Family & Personal Life
Father: James Morton
Morton’s father, James Morton, not only coached him in high school but also served as his biggest influence. James was a respected coach with stops at several Texas programs before Eastland—shaping Morton’s football mindset and work ethic.
Siblings & Support System
He also has two older sisters—McKayla and Maggie—who have supported his football journey and academic pursuits.
Wife / Relationship Status
As of this article, there are no verified public records or reports confirming Morton’s marriage or wife. He remains focused on his football career and personal development. (No citation available)
NFL Draft Outlook
NFL Prospects & Scouting Reports
Morton has drawn attention from NFL scouts due to his size (6’2”), arm talent, and college production. While projections vary, early draft profiles suggest he could be considered a late-round or Day 3 pick depending on team needs and combine performance.
Attributes NFL Teams Value
Key strengths that scouts highlight:
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Strong football IQ and leadership
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Solid short-to-intermediate accuracy
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Experience in a pass-heavy offense
Concerns include durability given his injury history and consistency in high-pressure situations—factors that will influence his draft stock heading into his final college season and pre-draft evaluations.
Career Highlights & Stats (Summary)
| Season | Games | Starts | Passing Yards | TDs | INTs | Completion % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 9 | 4 | 1,117 | 7 | 6 | 56.8% |
| 2023 | 10 | 8 | 1,754 | 15 | 8 | 62.1% |
| 2024 | 12 | 12 | 3,335 | 27 | 8 | 63.3% |
| 2025 | 11 | 11 | 2,643 | 22 | 4 | 67.0% |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How old is Behren Morton?
Behren Morton was born on January 17, 2002, making him 23 years old as of 2025.
2. Where did Behren Morton go to high school?
He attended Eastland High School in Eastland, Texas, where his father was his head coach.
3. What was Behren Morton’s 247Sports rating?
Morton was evaluated as a four-star recruit and was ranked among the top quarterbacks in the nation.
4. Did Behren Morton play with injuries?
Yes, Morton battled a shoulder injury during his college career and later underwent surgery before returning as a fully healthy starter.
5. Is Behren Morton married or does he have a wife?
There are no public reports confirming that Behren Morton is married or has a wife. (No citation)
6. What is Behren Morton’s NFL Draft projection?
Draft projections vary, but Morton is generally discussed as a possible late-round pick or Day 3 selection, depending on evaluations during the pre-draft process.