Syracuse, N.Y -- Former Syracuse football running back Joe Morris will have his No. 47 jersey retired during the team's game against Connecticut on Sept. 22, the school announced Friday night.

Morris is set to join four others whose numbers have been honored: Larry Csonka (39), John Mackey (88), Donovan McNabb (5) and Don McPherson (9).

The No. 44, worn by standout running backs including Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little, is also retired and hangs in the Carrier Dome rafters.

"Many doubted Joe Morris would play major college football," SU athletic director John Wildhack said in a statement. "He arrived at Syracuse University in 1978 and left four years later as the school's all-time leading rusher. It's a record that still stands to this day. Given the amazing lineage of running backs here, Joe's accomplishments truly stand out. We are proud to honor him and display his jersey alongside those of other Syracuse football greats."

At 5 feet, 7 inches, Morris still holds or shares 15 Orange records nearly three decades after leaving the program. That list includes the single-season (1,372 yards), career (4,299) and single-game (252) rushing marks -- the latter of which came during his sophomore season against Kansas.

He's also the program's all-time leader in rushing yards per game (113.1), 100-yard games (22) and all-purpose yardage (5,581).

"Syracuse's legacy at the running back position is second to none," SU head coach Dino Babers said in a statement. "Joe Morris is one of the main reasons why. He was the first Carrier Dome superstar. People filled the Loud House to watch him play and he helped lay the foundation for the future success of the program. I'm happy for Joe. He's very deserving of this honor."

Morris went on to play eight NFL seasons after he was picked by the New York Giants in the second round of the 1982 NFL Draft. He set the then-franchise record for career rushing yards (5,296), was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and earned a Super Bowl ring at the end of the 1986 season.

Stephen Bailey covers Syracuse football for The Post-Standard/Syracuse.com. You can follow him on Twitter and Facebook. He can also be reached anytime via email or phone (315-427-2168).