Football 10/15/2026 1:00:00 PM MSU Athletics Communications

Top Flight: Perry and Towler Lead Morgan State’s Rising Receiving Corps

BALTIMORE, Md. — Speed. Playmaking ability. Big-play potential.

Morgan State's wide receivers call themselves "Top Flight"—a nickname that perfectly captures the group's lofty ambitions.

Coined by first-year wide receivers coach Douglas McNeil III, the nickname represents a group built on preparation, competition, and attention to detail. With Perry and Towler leading the way, the Bears have developed an explosive receiving tandem that gives quarterback Cameron Edge multiple weapons downfield.

Through the first six games of the 2026 season, Perry and Towler have combined for 38 receptions, 778 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns, establishing themselves as one of the most explosive receiving tandems in the Bears' offense.

"One of the biggest things, these guys show up day in, day out. They put the work in," McNeil said. "One of our creeds that we have is compete at all times."

Sharpening the Details
Perry, a returning All-MEAC Second Team selection, has continued to establish himself as one of the conference's dangerous deep threats. After recording 25 receptions for 464 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman, the sophomore leads Morgan State with 24 catches for 451 yards and three touchdowns through six games.

But Perry credits McNeil with helping him become a more complete receiver by improving his releases against defenders and strengthening his blocking technique.

"When Coach Doug came into Morgan, the first thing he asked me was, 'What do I need to work on to be a better receiver?'" Perry said. "And I told him I need better release packages, I need to know how to block better. And once that was it, he gave me all the tools I had to do. I just had to apply that to my tool bag."

McNeil's attention to detail has helped the entire group refine its technique.

"Guys understand that the details matter, and at our position, there's so many things to be detailed about, from releases to blocking to route detail and catch radius," McNeil said. "So we pretty much break down all facets of the game."

For Perry, the lessons extend beyond the field. Even when he creates separation but isn't targeted, he trusts Edge and remains focused on the team's success.

"I trust what Cam's doing," Perry said. "So if he throws it, in my mind, I'm thinking that's the right read."

His team-first approach is reflected in how he views his role alongside other playmakers.

"Some plays I open up for my teammates, and some plays my teammates open up for me," Perry said. "That's just how — I don't know, there's only one ball."

Towler Adds Another Dimension
Towler, a redshirt junior transfer from Washington, D.C., has made an immediate impact, recording 14 receptions for 327 yards and four touchdowns through six games. Averaging 23.4 yards per catch, he has given Morgan State another explosive downfield option.

His 56-yard touchdown reception from Edge helped spark the Bears during their 28-27 Homecoming victory over Robert Morris on Oct. 10.

After joining the Bears as a transfer, Towler found a familiar environment that helped ease his transition. Having previously worked with McNeil at Bowie State, he already understood the coach's expectations, while connections with local players helped him settle into the program.

"The group of guys I'm around first helped me feel comfortable," Towler said. "A lot of guys from the area, a lot of local high school guys that I've seen before or played with. … It was a smooth transition for me, honestly." Although his deep-ball production has attracted attention, Towler sees himself as a versatile receiver capable of contributing throughout the offense.

"I've been catching some down-the-field throws, but I could do more in the intermediate game and short game," he said. "Really, whatever my team needs me to do, I get the job done."

connection with Edge began building during the winter through conversations away from the field.

"Since the winter, honestly, I built trust with him through all off-the-field conversations, just talking about everything," Towler said. "He's a really good leader. He steers me in the right direction, tells me about my route detail, about the teams we're going to face."

Towler also sees his partnership with Perry as a source of motivation for both receivers.

"I just feel like we two guys can get it done in every level of everything you need as a receiver, whether it's blocking, catching the ball, running somebody off," Towler said. "I learn a lot from him. I'm pretty sure it's the other way around, just competing at all times and, you know, iron sharpening iron."

Competing for Something Bigger
McNeil brings extensive experience to the receiving room, having played at Bowie State before a seven-year professional career that included stops with the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and BC Lions. He previously coached Towler at Bowie State, giving the two an established relationship as they reunited in Baltimore.

McNeil uses those experiences to emphasize consistency and accountability.

"For me, the biggest thing that I always tell the guys is, I know what it looked like," McNeil said. "More so than that, I know what it doesn't look like."

He also stresses the importance of building chemistry with Edge through additional work before and after practice.

"They should always be doing something because on the field you can see when that chemistry is strong," McNeil said.

Perry believes that connection is already strong but sees room for further improvement as conference opponents study the Bears' offense.

"I think our chemistry is still — it's really good," Perry said. "I feel like it can get way better, though."

For Towler, the ultimate goal goes beyond individual production or showcasing the receiving corps' potential.

"As much as I want the receiver corps to showcase what we can do, I really want to come back and win the championship," Towler said. "That's more important." "Compete every day, master the details, and put the team first."

This mindset defines McNeil's message to his receivers, challenging them to bring consistent, high-level effort regardless of the circumstances.

"The biggest one is to compete at all times," McNeil said. "And again, that's not just when I feel like it. That's not only when the weather is good. It's about showing up every day."

When asked what he wants people to say about Morgan State's receiving corps at the end of the season, McNeil delivered a fitting declaration.

"That we're Top Flight, and not just Baltimore, but the world," he said.

With Perry's established production, Towler's explosiveness, and McNeil's guidance, Morgan State's Top Flight receiving corps is determined to make that name mean something — one catch, one big play, and one victory at a time.

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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering more than 150 baccalaureate, master's degree, doctorate, and certificate programs. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu.

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Players Mentioned

#5 Cameron Edge: QB; 6' 2"; Senior

Players Mentioned

#5 Cameron Edge
: 6' 2"; Senior
: QB

Players Mentioned

#5 Cameron Edge

Players Mentioned

#5 Cameron Edge