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Summer Scouting Series: Football Scout 365 Analyst Brandon Lundberg shares his initial insights on key draft-eligible college football players in anticipation of the 2024 college football season.
Benjamin Morrison Overview
Benjamin Morrison has quickly established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in college football. Playing for the storied Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the 6’0”, 185-pound cornerback has become a lockdown defender on the outside. Hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, Morrison was a four-star recruit out of Brophy College Prep, where he displayed elite skills that translated seamlessly to the college level. Since his freshman year, Morrison has been a standout, earning Freshman All-American honors and continuing to shine as one of the best players in the nation.
In 2023, Morrison recorded three interceptions and 10 pass deflections, solidifying his reputation as a true shutdown corner. His ability to excel in both man and zone coverage, coupled with his physicality and instinctual play, has made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. As he enters his junior year, Morrison is poised to be one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the potential to be selected in the early first round.
Measurables
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 185 pounds
2023 Stats: 3 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, 38 total tackles
Ceiling Potential: Near Elite Starter Potential
Playstyle & Scheme Fit
Morrison excels as an outside cornerback, particularly in man and press coverage schemes. His quickness, agility, and ability to disrupt receivers at the line make him an ideal fit for defensive schemes that prioritize man coverage. His ability to adjust quickly and his instinctual awareness allow him to be effective in zone coverage as well, making him versatile across different defensive alignments. Morrison’s combination of technique, physicality, and football IQ makes him a valuable asset in any defense that requires a lockdown corner on the perimeter.
Player Comparisons
Morrison’s combination of length, physicality, and ball skills draws comparisons to players like Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner. Like Gardner, Morrison has the ability to stick to receivers in man coverage and possesses the ball skills to make plays when the ball is in the air. His competitive nature and technique also make him a potential CB1 in the NFL, capable of handling the league’s top receivers.
Where He Excels
Morrison demonstrates elite technique in man coverage, consistently staying in the hip pocket of receivers and making it difficult for them to create separation. His quick feet, fluid hips, and ability to transition smoothly from backpedal to sprint allow him to mirror routes with ease. Additionally, his ball skills are exceptional, as he consistently puts himself in a position to make plays on the ball, whether through interceptions or pass breakups. Morrison’s awareness and anticipation also enable him to be effective in zone coverage, where he can read the quarterback’s eyes and break on the ball quickly.
Strengths
Elite Technician
Patience in Coverage
Alpha on the Outside
Improvement Areas
As Morrison prepares for the 2024 season, he should focus on improving his ability to shed blocks and support the run more effectively. Developing a stronger lower body and refining his tackling technique will be key to his continued success. Additionally, Morrison should work on improving his angles in pursuit to become a more reliable open-field tackler.
Weaknesses
Pursuit Angles vs. Run
Occasionally Sits on His Heels
Stack/Shed Ability Against the Run
Advanced Data and Statistics
In 2023, Morrison earned an impressive 83.6 coverage grade in single coverage, according to PFF. He logged 126 total snaps in single coverage, 108 of which were in press coverage, showcasing his ability to dominate in man-to-man situations. Additionally, Morrison has recorded a total of nine interceptions and 14 pass deflections across his first two seasons, underlining his playmaking ability and ball-hawking instincts.
NFL Draft Projection
Entering the 2025 NFL Draft cycle, Morrison is projected as an early-to-mid first-round pick. His elite coverage skills, combined with his football IQ and versatility, make him a strong candidate for CB1 in the draft. With continued development, particularly in his run support and physicality, Morrison has the potential to be an All-Pro cornerback at the next level.
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