Harvard’s two nonleague losses came to top-25, scholarship teams by a combined four points. And for the most part, the Crimson was able to will itself to victories, despite a plethora of newcomers, rotating quarterbacks and an oft-injured captain.

The mainstay, of course, was Morris, who became only the third player in league history to win the Bushnell Cup as the Ivy’s Player of the Year twice. Morris broke his own single-season records for receptions (90) and yards (1,288) and holds virtually every single-game, single-season and career Crimson receiving record.

His efforts were also rewarded with first-team All-American recognition from the Associated Press.

“It obviously means a lot to me. It’s a huge award,” Morris said. “But every personal honor reflects the team’s accomplishments and how well the offense was able to perform.”

Morris posted his monster season despite dealing with two quarterbacks.

Rose, the Crimson’s most prolific passer ever, was the steadying force of the 2001 perfect season, and began 2002 with the same ruthless efficiency. Through three games, the fifth-year senior had as many incomplete passes (three) as touchdowns.

But a nagging back injury kept knocking Rose out of games, and superb play from his sophomore backup helped keep him out. By an Oct. 26 contest with Princeton, Fitzpatrick got the nod in front of a healthy Rose, but lost the job when Rose relieved him and led the Crimson to victory.

However in the season finale against Yale, it was Rose who needed relief and Fitzpatrick who propelled Harvard. Although neither emerged as the clear leader, both were critical to the Crimson’s success—Rose usually with his arm, Fitzpatrick with his feet.

“It doesn’t really matter [who is playing quarterback],” said sophomore wide receiver Rodney Byrnes, who emerged as a legitimate threat this season. “When Fitzy’s in, he’s going to run the ball a little more, but they can both put the ball where it needs to be.”

Joining Morris on the All-Ivy first team offense were senior linemen Jamil Soriano and Jack Fadule. All three signed free agent contracts with NFL clubs this spring.

Captain-to-be linebacker Dante Balestracci was named to the All-Ivy first team for the third consecutive season.

—Staff writer Lande A. Spottswood can be reached at spottsw

@fas.harvard.

edu.