Why elite wide receiver stayed committed to Alabama after JaMarcus Shephard took new job

Photo by John Ivory - Touchdown Alabama Magazine

Cederian Morgan decided to stick with his Alabama commitment and sign with the Crimson Tide despite Alabama’s wide receiver coach JaMarcus Shephard choosing to take the Oregon State head coaching job.

Morgan is a 2026 wide receiver prospect, who attends Benjamin Russell High School in Alexander City, Alabama. He is currently the Tide’s only 2026 wideout signee after the Tide lost commitments from Owen Cabell and Brian Williams Jr. on National Signing Day during the early signing period.

The senior committed to the Tide in July, and Shephard played a huge role in his doing so. Although he was looking forward to playing under Shephard, the Alabama native respects Shephard’s decision.

“He was a big reason why I committed,” Morgan said. “I trust them to go find somebody just as good as him or even better to coach me and the other receivers. I’m kind of proud of him. Not too many people get the chance to take the head coaching job, so that’s something he had to do to take care of himself and his family.”

Morgan said he decided to stick with the Tide in large part due to the relationship he built with fellow commits.

“Just our class that we got,” Morgan told Touchdown Alabama. “I think the number two class in the country and the brotherhood that we got, and I couldn’t see myself building that trust with them and then end up leaving the last week, last day of it. So, I wanted them to know that I’m here from this day. I trust them, and they trust me.”

The Alabama signee has been a standout at the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star practices so far with his dependable hands and wide catch radius. He is eyeing the opportunity to contribute early in Tuscaloosa.

“That’s my number one goal, put my head down and work, and be a day one starter on the field and just be able to help the team out,” Morgan said.

Alabama WR signee Cederian Morgan @cedeian2 continues to put his dependable hands on display. pic.twitter.com/XHJy41SwNf

— Justin Smith (@Jdsmith31Smith) December 10, 2025

Alabama fans should definitely be excited what Morgan brings to the table.