Benjamin Morrison wrapped up his 31-game career at Notre Dame with 84 tackles and nine interceptions.
Now, the 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback is eager to return to the field after being selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second round of last month’s NFL Draft.
The Arizona native missed most of Notre Dame’s 2024 season due to hip surgery but is nearing full recovery.
“It’s been going good,” Morrison said. “I’m just trusting the trainer's plan going through this rookie minicamp and going into OTAs. I’m getting healthy and it feels good to be back out there.”
Morrison went viral on draft night, with cameras capturing his emotional reaction during a phone call from Bucs head coach Todd Bowles. After months of uncertainty, the call brought an end to Morrison’s unanswered questions.
”I think it’s just a relief knowing where you’re to be living the next couple of years or you’re whole career, hopefully,” stated Morrison. “It’s exciting and an awesome place to play at. I couldn’t have landed at a better place than this, so it’s a blessing.”
Bowles once played alongside Morrison’s father, Darryl Morrison, and now will be instrumental in developing the cornerback.
Morrison said his father already offered insight into what to expect from his former teammate.
“He told me he’s straight to the point,” Morrison explained. “He’s a matter-of-fact person, and what you've got on the phone is what you’re going to get. He’s a great dude, great man and cares about his players.”
Morrison welcomes that no-nonsense approach. He was raised by hardworking parents and looks forward to continuing their legacy.
“It’s seeing who my parents were and how they attacked their respective areas of work,” Morrison said of his work ethic. “At the end of the day, this is a job. Seeing my mom and dad work and how hard they worked to provide a better life for me and my siblings, so who am I not to work hard in my respective area and give my family that life one day.”
Notre Dame also played a significant part in Morrison’s development over the last three years. Morrison experienced top-of-the-line football while also being challenged away from the field in many areas of his life.
“It’s a national stage every single week,” explained Morrison. “I opened up my first ever game at 18 years old at Ohio State. I ended up playing that game. It prepared me to go against the best. You look at the guys I’ve gone against in college, different body types, who have excelled in the NFL at a high level.
He also credited mentors like Cam Hart and Kyle Hamilton, who showed him what leadership looks like at the next level.
“I went there a boy and came out a man through my coaching staff and the people around me,” Morrison stated. “Having guys like Cam Hart and Kyle Hamilton coming back, seeing how they operate is inspiring for a young kid like me.”
And who was the toughest matchup for Morrison in college? Well, it’s not Marvin Harrison or his new teammate Emeka Egbuka.
“Honestly, I think it’s the scout team,” said Morrison. “I think a lot of guys get caught up on the big names, but the guys you go against in practice is the scout team. They are the unsung heroes because they give you the looks you will face on Saturday. Shoutout to them and WOPU Nation at Notre Dame.”
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