Morris was raised in Portland, Texas. He graduated from Gregory-Portland High School in 1998. As a trumpet player, he was offered a music scholarship to the University of North Texas, but turned it down to study Radio, Television and Film. After moving to Los Angeles, he first appeared as a model in an ad campaign for American Eagle Outfitters. Soon after, he began making guest appearances on shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer, ER and Presidio Med.