Morley was sent east to be educated and reportedly attended school in 18 states. Morley later attended the
University of Michigan where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in 1896. He was five feet, six inches tall and weighed 147 pounds as a football player at Michigan. Morley's sister, Agnes, was also a student at Michigan during the 1895–96 academic year. Morley subsequently enrolled at
Columbia University School of Mines.
Caspar Whitney, owner and editor-in-chief of the monthly
Outing magazine, chose Morley as the captain and first-team halfback for his
1901 College Football All-America Team. In 1905,
The New York Times recalled Morley's playing style at Columbia: "Morley was one of the most aggressive men who ever represented Columbia on the gridiron. As a plunging back he made an enviable reputation, and the same was true when he played quarter back." Morley's Hall of Fame biography emphasizes his accomplishments as a player for Columbia: "The Columbia backfield of 1899 could strike from every position, often with electrifying results. It was that backfield which became the first Lion squad to beat
Yale, and the 5–0 victory over the Elis was carried off through the efforts of this Hall of Famer, Bill Morley. Morley's exciting gains and devastating blocks took the heart out of the Eli defense." ==Coaching career==