Note: The following appears in the Virginia football gameday program.
Some things, you are just born with. People may say it runs in the family. Soon to be graduating with a degree in genetics, Hogan Morton is no stranger to hereditary science and the impact of family genes.
In 2021, Morton earned a spot as a walk-on for the Tigers as a placekicker. He showed his stripes in his first fall camp practice by making a 50-yard field goal, surprising a gathered team.
But it was always in his DNA.
“My dad played rugby and he was actually the kicker, if you want to call it that. So maybe it’s genetic.”
The family ties do not stop there. Morton’s journey as a kicker began on Christmas as a sixth grader when his brother, Hall, who would later become a safety for Clemson from 2016-18, gifted him with a Wilson ball holder stand.
After his grandfather brought over two metal poles that same Christmas day and realized two trees in their backyard aligned for the perfect width, a makeshift field goal and Morton’s first-ever PAT was made.
The rest is history.
Nine years later, Morton converted his first PAT attempt for the Tigers against Charleston Southern, this time through NCAA-regulated goalposts. It was a moment that he admitted he “couldn’t stop smiling.”
Morton has a unique role while offering his skills as a wide receiver or defensive back on scout teams, then knocking 55-yarders through the uprights at the end of practice with the rest of the specialists. Morton’s role on the team allows him to connect with players among all position groups, uplifting them in any way he can.
“Being on this team has been so much more than just football. It’s about growing myself with all the relationships and friendships with the guys and memories I’ve made.
“Coach (Dabo) Swinney has poured into my life every day, and that’s been something that has changed my life.”
Off the field, his academic excellence and career goals set the example. Morton leads the team as a three-time ACC Academic Honor Roll member and three-time overall team GPA award recipient while maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout his career at Clemson.
His pursuits in the classroom and community have solidified his desire to work in the medical field. His microinternship at Christchurch Health Services and a service trip with P.A.W. Journey to South Africa have also contributed.
“I love science and I love helping people. Being a doctor will blend those two passions of mine together.”
Attempting to become a “first-generation doctor” and fulfilling his call to service, Morton plans to attend medical school at UAB next year.
While juggling being a member of the football program, the academic rigor of his courses and serving his community, Morton has found comfort in the chaos.
“One of the biggest takeaways that football has showed me is to always be in the now and live in the moment, and to bloom where you’re planted.”
As Morton’s journey at Clemson and football career come to a close, his experiences and growth in his faith have prepared him for his next steps.
Wherever his next phase of life takes him, Morton is a firm believer that everything happens for a reason and God has a plan, just like there was a reason for that Wilson ball holder stand or why those trees in his backyard were set at the perfect distance.
It was always part of the plan. It was always in his DNA.
