Nick Shepkowski
June 10, 2024 11:51 pm ET
It’s been a long time since Notre Dame‘s defensive backfield has been as talented across the board as it seems to be entering 2024 and a big reason for that is cornerback Benjamin Morrison.
Morrison enters his junior year, which most expect to be his final with the Fighting Irish, coming off shoulder surgery that kept him out for part of this past spring.
You can argue that there are more important players to the overall success of Notre Dame’s defense in 2024, but it’s hard to argue there is one viewed as better at their position than Morrison, who has recorded nine interceptions through his first two years.
As we continue to get ready for the 2024 season, here is a quick look at what to know and expect from Notre Dame’s top returning cornerback and a possible future first round NFL draft pick.
Benjamin Harrison Biography
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Hometown:Phoenix, Arizona
High School: Brophy Prep
Height:6-foot-0
Weight:186 lbs
Class in 2024:Junior
Benjamin Morrison's Notre Dame Stats
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2022 (Sophom*ore): 12 games (11 starts), 31 tackles, 25 solo, 3.5 tackles for loss, Second on the team with three interceptions, and led the Irish with 10 pass breakups
2021 (True Freshman): Started nine and appeared in all 13 games. 33 tackles, 22 solo, six interceptions, broke up four other passes.
Benjamin Morrison on Notre Dame's Depth Chart
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Benjamin Morrison in the shortest of lists of the best cornerbacks in the country as he’s a preseason All-American by most outlets. He’s likely to be among the very first defensive backs taken in the 2025 NFL draft as at this point it would come as a major surprise if he returned for his senior season at Notre Dame.
Potential Fears for Benjamin Morrison
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The only fear for Benjamin Morrison for Notre Dame as the 2024 college football season approaches is his health. Morrison missed the majority of spring, including the annual Blue Gold Game due to having shoulder surgery performed. When Marcus Freeman was asked about the likely time Morrison will be set to return to the field, the Notre Dame head coach stated, “sometime around Texas A&M“.
That game will be tough enough being the season-opener in a rocking hostile environment so having one of the nation’s best cornerbacks would only be a good thing.
Realistic Expectations for Morrison in 2024
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Based on Freeman’s word it’s the realistic expectation that Benjamin Morrison is ready to go for the season-opener. Last year Notre Dame’s defense was a takeaway machine, intercepting 16 passes as a squad. Morrison saw his interception production dip from six to three a season ago, but he also wasn’t challenged as much which allowed safety Xavier Watts to step up and pick-off seven passes himself.
The expectation for Notre Dame’s secondary and for Benjamin Morrison are pretty much the same: perform as one of the very best in the entire nation in 2024.
Looking Back at Benjamin Morrison as a Recruit
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Despite Benajamin Morrison getting on the field literally from Week One of his freshman year and for turning into a star in short order, he wasn’t rated as some kind of mega-recruit by any means. Morrison eventually earned a four-star rating from the 247Sports composite rating, checking in as the 311th overall player and 35th best player in the class. It’s safe to say Morrison has significantly out-performed those expectations.
Benjamin Morrison on Social Media
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Benjamin Morrison on X (Formerly Twitter): @BMoe_21
Benjamin Morrison on Instagram: @bennmorrisonn
Benjamin Morrison's Epic Pick-Six vs. Clemson (2022)
Because, why not? Benjamin Morrison had a freshman season to remember as he picked off six opponents passes but none will be remembered for as long by as many as his pick-six to step on the throats of No. 5 Clemson and put an end to their perfect season.
Benjamin Morrison Photos
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You just watched highlights of Morrison’s memorable pick-six above, but how about a phenomenal still-shot of when Morrison makes a play on the ball to effectively end that contest.
Benjamin Morrison Photos
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Benjamin Morrison continued his memorable November as a freshman by intercepting three passes in a single game against Boston College.
Benjamin Morrison Photos
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Syndication Notre Dame Insider
Benjamin Morrison put a cap on his freshman year by picking off one last pass in the Gator Bowl against South Carolina. Morrison would later leave that game with a concussion.
