Breaking down the top Notre Dame football player heading into the 2024 college football season this fall
While there are a couple other players who could have some sort of argument, most Notre Dame fans wouldn’t argue against Benjamin Morrison coming in as the top overall player on the team heading into the 2024 college football season. Although he has been a part of the program for just two seasons up until […]
While there are a couple other players who could have some sort of argument, most Notre Dame fans wouldn’t argue against Benjamin Morrison coming in as the top overall player on the team heading into the 2024 college football season. Although he has been a part of the program for just two seasons up until now, the impact that Morrison has had is incredible.
In a lot of ways, our opinions on Mike Mickens really began with the ascension of Ben Morrison. Yes, Coach Mickens is awesome. Yes, he did an outstanding job with Nick McCloud, and even a better one with Cam Hart. However, there has been a narrative about the cornerback position at Notre Dame. One of the big reasons for it is the lack of a first round selection at the position since Jeff Burris in 1994.
Barring a dramatic setback, Morrison has a chance to rewrite that narrative during the 2025 NFL Draft. He carries several first round grades around the league, exciting NFL evaluators with his level of athleticism, ball skills, competitiveness and football IQ. There isn’t a major hole in Morrison’s game on the field that can’t be corrected.
Irish fans got introduced to Morrison very early on in the 2022 season. Despite not enrolling until the Summer, Morrison made his impact felt in the first game of the season against Ohio State. Before long, Morrison was starting and never seemed to look back. He would end that freshman campaign with six interceptions and another four pass breakups, leading to Freshman All-American honors.
Heading into his sophomore campaign, opposing offenses had learned. Throwing at No. 20 probably wasn't the wisest decision. While his interception totals may have suffered, Morrison allowed other players like Xavier Watts more opportunities to make plays. Morrison would still manage to haul in another three interceptions and break up ten more passes, making the best of his opportunities.
Now heading into the 2024 season, Morrison is back healthy with the team after an offseason shoulder injury. His presence will be big for the team, as will his overall leadership. In what looks like a very promising season ahead, Morrison looks to end his Notre Dame career on a strong note.
From a personal perspective, increasing his overall level of physicality and tackling is a priority. His coverage skills are already there, looking near NFL ready today. In order to compete at the very top to be the top cornerback selected next April, those minor improvements will be needed.
