Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame CB: Rising Star in College Football’s Secondary
Benjamin Morrison has emerged as one of the most promising cornerbacks in college football. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish cornerback stands at 6-0, weighs 190 pounds, and has shown exceptional skills that have NFL scouts taking notice. Morrison profiles as a scheme-versatile corner who can step in and contribute immediately in any coverage system at the professional level.
Unfortunately, Morrison has faced some challenges heading into the NFL Draft. The talented junior from Phoenix, Arizona has been unable to participate in NFL Combine drills due to a hip injury. Despite this setback, he’s maintained a positive attitude and continues to draw interest from pro teams impressed by his collegiate performance at Notre Dame.
Born on March 11, 2004, Morrison built his reputation through strong performances at Brophy Prep before joining the Fighting Irish. His combination of technical skill, football IQ, and physical attributes has made him one of the most closely watched defensive backs in this year’s draft class, with many analysts projecting him as an early-round selection despite his recent injury concerns.
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Early Life and Education
Benjamin Morrison’s journey to football stardom began in his early years, shaped by a rich athletic family heritage and exceptional high school performance. His development from a standout Arizona prep player to a coveted Notre Dame recruit showcases his dedication to excellence both on and off the field.
High School Career
Morrison attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, where he quickly distinguished himself as an elite defensive back. Born on March 11, 2004, he comes from an impressive athletic background—all four of his siblings competed at the Division I level.
At Brophy Prep, Morrison’s combination of size (6-0, 190 pounds) and technical skill made him a standout performer. His junior and senior seasons demonstrated elite coverage skills that caught the attention of major college programs nationwide.
Morrison’s high school accolades included participation in the prestigious Polynesian Bowl, where he showcased his talents against other top-tier recruits. His ball-hawking abilities and football IQ established him as one of the most promising cornerback prospects in his class.
Recruitment to Notre Dame
Morrison’s recruitment process culminated with his commitment to Notre Dame, where his combination of academic excellence and athletic prowess made him a perfect fit for the Fighting Irish. As a four-star recruit, Morrison fielded offers from numerous Power 5 programs but ultimately chose Notre Dame for its balance of elite football and academic reputation.
The cornerback’s decision reflected both his family values and personal priorities—development as both student and athlete ranked highly in his selection process. Notre Dame’s history of developing defensive backs for the NFL also played a significant role in his decision.
Morrison arrived in South Bend with high expectations, projected to compete for playing time early in his career. His recruitment profile highlighted his technical polish and football intelligence, traits that would later define his collegiate success with the Fighting Irish.
Collegiate Career Highlights
Benjamin Morrison’s time at Notre Dame established him as one of college football’s premier cornerbacks. His combination of exceptional coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and physical tackling made him a standout in the Fighting Irish secondary.
Freshman Year Impact
Morrison burst onto the scene in 2022 as a true freshman, immediately showcasing his elite potential. He appeared in all 13 games, starting 11 of them and quickly establishing himself as Notre Dame’s top corner.
His ball skills were evident from the start, as he snagged 6 interceptions in his debut season. The highlight came against Clemson, where Morrison picked off DJ Uiagalelei twice, including a 96-yard pick-six that sealed Notre Dame’s dominant victory.
Morrison finished his freshman campaign with 33 tackles and 6 passes defended in addition to his interceptions. His immediate impact earned him Freshman All-American honors and set the stage for what was to come.
Statistical Achievements
Morrison’s career numbers tell the story of a consistently dominant cornerback who improved each season at Notre Dame.
| Season | Games | INT | PD | Tackles | TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 13 | 6 | 6 | 33 | 1 |
| 2023 | 12 | 3 | 10 | 37 | 0 |
| 2024 | 13 | 5 | 12 | 42 | 1 |
His career total of 14 interceptions ranks among the highest in Notre Dame history. Morrison’s coverage skills led to him allowing a completion percentage under 50% when targeted over his career.
NFL scouts have taken notice, with Morrison projected as a potential first-round selection. His combination of size, technique, and ball production make him one of the top cornerback prospects in his draft class.
Standout Performances
Beyond his freshman-year heroics against Clemson, Morrison delivered several memorable performances that cemented his reputation as a lockdown cornerback.
Against USC in 2023, Morrison shadowed their top receiver across the field, limiting him to just two catches while adding an interception. His performance earned him national defensive player of the week honors.
In a pivotal matchup against Ohio State in 2024, Morrison showcased his complete skill set with two pass breakups, an interception, and six tackles. His ability to both cover and support the run prompted analysts to label him a human seatbelt for his ability to lock down opposing receivers.
Morrison’s performance in Notre Dame’s bowl game—five tackles, an interception, and three passes defended—served as a fitting end to a stellar collegiate career that established him as one of the best defensive backs in Fighting Irish history.
Skills and Playing Style
Benjamin Morrison possesses a rare combination of technical prowess and natural instinct that has NFL scouts buzzing about his potential at the next level. His balanced skill set allows him to excel in multiple defensive schemes while consistently affecting passing plays through his advanced understanding of receiver tendencies.
Coverage Technique
Morrison displays excellent instincts and scrappy mentality that serve as the foundation of his coverage skills. His fluid hip movement enables him to mirror receivers effectively whether playing press or off coverage.
What separates Morrison from other cornerback prospects is his anticipation. He consistently jumps routes with calculated aggression rather than reckless abandon.
In man coverage, he stays connected to receivers through their breaks. His patient footwork and balanced stance help him avoid being manipulated by route runners’ head fakes.
However, he does occasionally allow separation on comebacks and curls. This tendency to hug receivers on those routes is something NFL coaches will need to refine.
His ball skills are exceptional, turning tight coverage into turnovers rather than just incompletions. Most draft analysts project him as a top-15 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Tackling Proficiency
Morrison brings a physicality to the cornerback position that’s increasingly valued in today’s NFL. He doesn’t just cover—he attacks.
When coming downhill against the run, he takes proper angles and wraps up with textbook form. His tackle success rate hovers around 83%, well above average for collegiate cornerbacks.
What’s particularly impressive is his ability to bring down larger ball carriers. Despite his moderate frame, Morrison leverages technique over size to make stops.
Year | Solo Tackles | Assisted | TFLs | Forced Fumbles
-----|--------------|----------|------|---------------
2022 | 33 | 12 | 1 | 0
2023 | 42 | 14 | 2.5 | 1
2024* | 31 | 8 | 3 | 2
*Through 9 games
His willingness to contribute in run support makes him a three-down defender rather than a coverage specialist. This versatility has helped elevate his draft stock considerably.
Adaptability and Growth
Morrison’s development curve at Notre Dame demonstrates exceptional growth potential. Each season has shown marked improvement in his technique and understanding of defensive concepts.
He’s fluid in man coverage, aware in zone, and consistently stays in phase regardless of the defensive call. This versatility makes him scheme-adaptable at the next level.
What’s particularly impressive is how quickly he processes information. When quarterbacks try to manipulate him with their eyes, Morrison rarely takes the bait.
His ability to play both outside and in the slot further demonstrates his adaptability. This positional flexibility will be highly valued by NFL defensive coordinators looking to match up against various offensive personnel groupings.
Morrison also demonstrates excellent football IQ in film study. Teammates and coaches consistently praise his preparation habits and ability to apply classroom lessons to game situations.
Injury and Recovery
Benjamin Morrison’s promising career at Notre Dame faced a significant setback when he suffered a hip injury during the 2024 season. The standout cornerback’s journey through injury and rehabilitation showcases both the challenges elite athletes face and the mental fortitude required to overcome them.
Hip Injury Analysis
Morrison’s season came to an abrupt end in Week 6 of the 2024 season when he sustained a torn labrum in his left hip. The injury required season-ending surgery, forcing the preseason All-American to watch from the sidelines as Notre Dame completed their campaign.
The timing couldn’t have been worse for Morrison, who had established himself as one of college football’s premier cornerbacks. Prior to the injury, NFL draft analysts had him projected as a potential first-round selection.
Hip labrum tears are particularly concerning for defensive backs whose job demands quick changes of direction and explosive movements. The injury impacts lateral mobility and can potentially diminish the elite athleticism that made Morrison such a standout prospect.
Rehabilitation Process
Morrison’s recovery journey began immediately following surgery, with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Four and a half months post-surgery, he was unable to participate in on-field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine but has maintained an impressively positive outlook.
“I found blessings in this injury,” Morrison reflected in an interview, demonstrating remarkable maturity. Rather than dwelling on missed opportunities, he’s focused on the lessons learned during recovery.
Morrison’s rehabilitation process includes targeted strength training, mobility work, and gradual return to football-specific movements. He’s expected to participate in a private Pro Day to showcase his progress to NFL scouts.
Morrison’s Draft Outlook Post-Injury
| Pre-Injury Projection | Current Projection | Expected Recovery | Team Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Top 15 Pick | Late 1st – Early 2nd Round | Full | Cowboys, Ravens, Bills |
Despite the setback, Morrison’s film study and mental preparation during recovery could potentially make him a more complete cornerback when he returns to the field.
Prospect Evaluation for NFL Draft
Benjamin Morrison has developed into one of the premier cornerback prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of technical skills, football IQ, and athletic ability has scouts taking notice as teams evaluate his potential at the next level.
Pre-Draft Workout and Combine Results
Morrison impressed scouts at the NFL Combine with his solid athletic profile. The Notre Dame cornerback ran a 4.39 forty, showcasing the speed necessary to keep pace with NFL receivers. His explosiveness in the vertical and broad jump tests demonstrated the burst required for the position.
His agility drills further reinforced what film study had already shown—Morrison possesses the fluidity in his hips to turn and run with receivers. At 6’0″ and just under 190 pounds, he hits the sweet spot for cornerback size in today’s NFL.
Morrison’s hand size and arm length measurements fell within average range for the position, but his functional play strength on tape shows more than what these numbers might suggest.
| Measurement | Result | Position Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.39 sec | Top 15 |
| Vertical Jump | 38 inches | Top 20 |
| Bench Press | 15 reps | Average |
| Height/Weight | 6’0″/190 lbs | Prototypical |
Expert Opinions and Comparisons
Draft analysts widely consider Morrison to be a versatile cornerback prospect who can excel in multiple defensive schemes. His ability to play both outside and in the slot increases his value tremendously.
Morrison’s film shows a player with excellent instincts and ball skills. What stands out most is his technical proficiency—rarely out of position and displaying disciplined eyes when reading route combinations.
Several scouts have compared Morrison to Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears, noting similar playing styles and physical attributes. Both excel in press coverage and demonstrate excellent awareness in zone.
Some concerns exist regarding his recovery from a hip injury that could potentially impact his elite athleticism—a crucial attribute for NFL cornerbacks. However, his pre-injury tape shows a player with all the tools needed to succeed.
Draft Projection
Morrison currently projects as a late first to early second-round selection. Most mock drafts have him ranked as the #7 cornerback in this class, which typically translates to a selection between picks 25-40.
Teams with pressing needs at cornerback like the Cowboys, Bills, and Steelers could target Morrison. The Steelers in particular appear to be a scheme fit, as they value corners with Morrison’s versatility and tackling ability.
What makes Morrison particularly appealing is his pro-readiness. While not possessing the elite athletic ceiling of some prospects, his technique and football IQ suggest he could contribute immediately as a rookie.
His tackling ability and willingness in run support further strengthen his case as a complete cornerback worthy of a Day 1 selection.
Influential Mentors and Role Models
Benjamin Morrison’s rise to prominence as a standout cornerback at Notre Dame has been shaped by significant figures in his football journey. His development has benefited from both elite coaching at South Bend and inspiration from established NFL talents.
Coaching Influence at Notre Dame
Morrison’s growth has been dramatically accelerated by Notre Dame’s coaching staff. His rapid development from freshman to starter impressed coaches so much that he was compared to an NFL first-rounder early in his career.
The defensive backs coaches at Notre Dame immediately recognized Morrison’s exceptional football IQ and technical ability. They’ve helped refine his press coverage technique and ball skills.
What stands out most is how quickly Morrison absorbed complex defensive schemes. When most freshmen were still learning basic coverages, he was already implementing advanced techniques in game situations.
His coaches often point to his preparation habits as exemplary for younger players. Morrison watches more film than most veterans and routinely stays after practice for additional technique work.
Impact of Professional Players
Stephon Gilmore stands as one of Morrison’s most significant professional influences. Morrison has studied Gilmore’s patient technique at the line of scrimmage and disciplined eye placement in coverage.
During media appearances at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, Morrison specifically mentioned how watching Gilmore’s film helped develop his understanding of receiver tendencies and route recognition.
Morrison also benefits from Notre Dame’s strong NFL cornerback legacy. He regularly connects with former Irish defensive backs now playing professionally.
NFL Draft Projection for Benjamin Morrison
| Metric | Rating | NFL Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Draft Projection | 1st Round (Top 15) | Similar to Stephon Gilmore |
| Coverage Grade | 91.2 | Elite man coverage skills |
| Playmaking | 9/10 | Ball hawk tendencies |
| Technique | 8.5/10 | Refined press coverage |
His football bloodline also provides unique mentorship. Coming from a family of five children who became college athletes, Morrison frequently credits his siblings’ guidance in navigating the pressures of high-level competition.
Community and Personal Life
Beyond his impressive on-field talents, Benjamin Morrison has made significant impacts off the field through community service and maintains diverse personal interests that shape his character as more than just an athlete.
Philanthropic Involvement
Morrison has shown remarkable dedication to giving back to his community. In June 2023, the Mesa resident held his first annual youth camp in downtown Phoenix. This initiative reflects his commitment to nurturing young talent in his hometown area.
The camp provided local youngsters with football fundamentals while emphasizing character development and education. Morrison’s approach mirrors values instilled during his time at Brophy Prep, where community service was encouraged alongside athletic achievement.
His philanthropic work extends to participation in Notre Dame’s community outreach programs. The cornerback regularly visits local schools and hospitals in South Bend, demonstrating leadership beyond his years.
Morrison has expressed plans to establish a foundation focused on youth development and education access, particularly for underprivileged communities in Arizona.
Personal Interests
Away from football, Morrison maintains a balanced life with diverse interests. His academic focus at Notre Dame demonstrates his commitment to education alongside athletic excellence.
As a Phoenix, Arizona native, Morrison enjoys outdoor activities including hiking the local mountain trails during off-seasons. This contributes to his remarkable conditioning and agility on the field.
Morrison has shown interest in business and entrepreneurship, often discussing potential career paths after football. His thoughtful approach to life after sports reveals maturity unusual for his age.
| Morrison’s Personal Stats | |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Phoenix, AZ |
| High School | Brophy Prep |
| Birth Date | March 11, 2004 |
| Class at Notre Dame | Junior |
| Major | Business |
An avid reader, Morrison often cites leadership books as influential to his development both on and off the field.
Future Outlook
Benjamin Morrison stands at a pivotal moment in his collegiate career as he approaches the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of versatility, technical skills, and football IQ position him as one of the top cornerback prospects in his class.
Potential Impact in NFL
Morrison’s versatility as a cornerback makes him an attractive prospect for multiple defensive schemes at the next level. He demonstrates the fluidity to thrive in man coverage and the instincts to excel in zone.
Several teams with secondary needs have Morrison on their radar, with the Vikings showing particular interest in his skill set.
What separates Morrison is his ability to play both outside and in the slot, giving defensive coordinators flexibility in matchups against diverse offensive personnel groupings.
Morrison’s draft projection currently stands in the late first to early second round range, with room to rise with a strong final season at Notre Dame.
| Morrison’s Key Metrics | Rating |
|---|---|
| Draft Projection | Late 1st – Early 2nd Round |
| Coverage Versatility | High |
| Man Coverage | 8.5/10 |
| Zone Coverage | 8/10 |
| Tackling | 7.5/10 |
Long-term Career Prospects
Morrison profiles as a potential long-term starter. With the right coaching and system fit, he could develop into a cornerstone defensive player. His technical refinement and football intelligence suggest a high floor as a professional prospect.
While he lacks elite top-end athleticism, Morrison compensates with excellent instincts and positioning. These traits typically translate well to sustained NFL success.
The Packers have shown interest in Morrison. They ranked him 59th on their draft board, suggesting they see him as a valuable addition to their secondary rebuild.
His career trajectory could mirror other technically sound corners who have enjoyed 8-10 year careers as reliable starters. He also has Pro Bowl upside if his ball skills continue to develop.