Notre Dame WR Beaux Collins compares Benjamin Morrison, Leonard Moore, Christian Gray, and what makes each special
It’s almost unbelievable how good of a job secondary coach Mike Mickens has done since coming to Notre Dame. Coach Mickens walked into a difficult situation, including a less than ideal cornerback depth chart, and an abysmal track record of developing high level NFL players at the position the last 30 years. In just a […]
It’s almost unbelievable how good of a job secondary coach Mike Mickens has done since coming to Notre Dame. Coach Mickens walked into a difficult situation, including a less than ideal cornerback depth chart, and an abysmal track record of developing high level NFL players at the position the last 30 years.
In just a few seasons, the cornerback position with the Fighting Irish has morphed into one of the very best in all of college football. While the team hasn’t had a cornerback selected in the first round since Jeff Burris in the 1994 NFL Draft, the changes look strong that will change in the near future. It’s possible that Benjamin Morrison changes this cycle in the 2025 NFL Draft class, but if not, it feels inevitable it will change soon.
The cornerback room is loaded, and it will continue being a strength for the Irish. At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, former Notre Dame wide receiver was asked to compare Morrison, freshman sensation Leonard Moore, and Christian Gray against one another. Collins had some high praise for each.
On Benjamin Morrison: “(Benjamin Morrison), man, he’s a very patient defensive back. I love going against BMo. He was the biggest competitor at all times. He and I would go back and forth pretty much every day.”
On Leonard Moore: “Leonard Moore is a little bit more of a longer patient defensive back. He will be physical every now and then as well. I feel like he’s going to be a heck of a defensive back in the future for Notre Dame and in the league. I’m excited to see what he does for the rest of his career.”
On Christian Gray: “Christian Gray is another longer defensive back, patient as well. He’s twitchy. A lot of guys may not see that but he’s twitchy. He jumps routes well.”
When you dissect Collins’ comments about the three talented cornerbacks, it was interesting to note the similarities. Each of them was described as patient, which is an incredibly important trait for a defensive back. That typically means they are confident in their ability, as well as their technique.
As you would expect, each also brings something unique to the table. From a physical talent perspective, Morrison and Gray are probably the most similar. Moore brings a unique skill set that could make him the best one when all is said and done. No matter which skill set you prefer, one thing is certain.
“All three of them together, it was one heck of a defensive back group.”
We were once sold a lie that no big time cornerbacks wanted to play at Notre Dame. This current group shows that just isn’t true. Things are changing in South Bend, Indiana, and the cornerback group is the perfect example of that.
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