In the military, it's all about service and for Air Force ROTC cadet Tyler Morris that mindset doesn't waver when he puts on a University of Minnesota Duluth football uniform.

"In a word, Tyler is selfless," said UMD head coach Curt Wiese.  "He's a guy that has never talked about playing time. He's never started a game for us in the defensive secondary, yet every opportunity he's given on the field he goes 100 miles an hour."

Morris joined the Bulldog program in 2013, fresh out of Liberty Christian High School in Pasco, Wash., deciding to relocate some 1,500 miles to the east because UMD offered ROTC, mechanical engineering and NCAA Division II football.

"He was one of those kids who self-recruited," said Wiese. "We liked what we saw and let him let him walk on as a defensive back. It was a perfect fit for him and he was a fantastic addition for us."

Morris has played in 37 games over the past four seasons and has 26 total tackles to show for it -- with most of those stops coming on special teams. But one of the signature moments of his UMD career this past September 16 when he led his teammates onto the field for the Bulldogs' Miltary Appreciation Night bout with Minnesota State University-Mankato, sporting his Air Force fatigues and proudly carrying the American flag.

"It was a special thing," said Wiese. "I think it hit home for everybody and gave us a real appreciation for what he's about to do for our country."

HIS FAVORITES
Opponent: Northwest Missouri State
Opponent Field: Kirkeby-Over Stadium (Augustana)
Road Trip: Any trip where we fly (Ouachita Baptist)
Professional Athlete: Kam Chancellor
Professional Team: Seattle Seahawks
Pastime: High School summers at the hometown watering holes.
College Course: Senior Design
Prized Possession: My Maui Jim sunglasses
Book (Author): Lord of the Rings series (J.R. Tolkien)
Television Show: Sons of Anarchy
Actor: Mark Wahlberg
Actress: Julianne Hough
Movie: Lone Survivor
Singer or Group: the Chainsmokers
Food: Crab
Restaurant: Bridgeman's for breakfast and Blackwater Lounge for sushi.
Vacation Spot: I think it is more important who you share the experience with more than the location.
Video Game: Call of Duty: World at War, and the original Nazi Zombies
Mobile App: Google Maps
Website: Couchsurfing

UP CLOSE
Why I Chose UMD: The opportunity to pursue mechanical engineering, Air Force ROTC, and play Division II football all at one university.
First Played Organized Football: 5th grade weighing 80 lbs soaking wet.
Football Strength/Weakness: Bending the edge/My bulky knee brace and base blocking.
Game Day Ritual: It includes 5-hour energy and Vicks Vaporub
Most Memorable UMD Football Moment: The 2014 NCAA playoff run. First the Miracle at Malosky versus Northwest Missouri State, and then back to back fumbles to comeback and beat Ouachita Baptist.
Pet Peeve: Shallow conversations -- like genuinely asking how someone is doing and receiving a response of "good"
Biggest Fear: Letting those down who have invested in me.
My First Job (Age): Started a neighborhood lawn mowing business (Trademark "TM" Lawn Care) before I could drive.
Person I'd Most Like to Meet: Daniel Greysolon, Sieur DuLut
What Most People Don't Know About Me: I played 8-man football in high school.
Best Player I've Ever Gone Up Against: (Former Northwest Missouri State and current Los Angeles Rams linebacker) Matt Longacre
If I Could Change One Thing About Myself: I'd allow my body to recover faster.
Something I Never Leave Home Without: My wallet
Sport I'd Like To Try Someday: Something in the Olympics, maybe ski jumping.
The Best Thing About College Football: Game day with your brothers.
Influences on My Athletic Career: My grandpa, my dad, and my high school coaches Mike Olson and Craig Lukins.
Advice to an Aspiring Young Athlete: Take advantage of every opportunity. Never lose your love of the game and always hold onto your style of play.
What I'll Miss Most About UMD Once My Playing Days Are Over: The brotherhood bond built by football but intertwined into my entire college career. I'll miss everyone being within walking distance.
Post-UMD Plans: I'll be commissioned as a second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force this spring and attend Combat Systems Officer (Navigator) training in Pensacola, Florida.