Former Brophy, Notre Dame CB Ben Morrison shows NFL teams he’s back from injury.

Former Brophy College Preparatory star and Notre Dame cornerback Ben Morrison has long been regarded as one of the most promising defensive backs in college football. His combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability made him a standout for the Fighting Irish, and he quickly rose to prominence as one of the nation’s top cornerbacks. However, Morrison’s career took an unexpected turn during his final year at Notre Dame when a significant injury threatened to derail his journey to the NFL.
Despite a serious hip injury that forced him to miss the remainder of his senior season, Morrison has shown NFL teams that he is fully recovered and ready to take the next step in his football career. His resilience, work ethic, and determination have not only earned him respect from his teammates and coaches, but they have also positioned him as a rising star for the 2025 NFL Draft.
This article delves into Morrison’s journey—from his days at Brophy Prep to his meteoric rise at Notre Dame, his struggles with injury, and how he is showcasing his talent to NFL teams, proving that he is ready to make an immediate impact at the professional level.
Early Life and High School Career
Ben Morrison was born in Phoenix, Arizona, and from an early age, it was clear that he had a special talent for football. Attending Brophy College Preparatory, one of the top high schools in Arizona, Morrison quickly established himself as a premier defensive talent. His size, athleticism, and football IQ were evident from the start, and he earned a reputation as one of the best cornerbacks in the state.
At Brophy Prep, Morrison was not only known for his ability to shut down receivers but also for his leadership and work ethic. He was a key player on both offense and defense, displaying versatility and the ability to make big plays in crucial moments. His standout performances helped lead his team to a number of important victories, and he was widely recognized as one of the top recruits in the country by the time he graduated.
It didn’t take long for major college programs to take notice of Morrison’s potential. His blend of speed, size, and agility was tailor-made for the cornerback position, and he had all the tools needed to excel at the highest levels of college football. As a result, Morrison received offers from top programs across the country, but it was Notre Dame that ultimately won his commitment.
Morrison’s Notre Dame Career
When Morrison arrived at Notre Dame, the program was under the leadership of head coach Marcus Freeman. The Fighting Irish were coming off a successful season and looking to build on that momentum. Morrison wasted little time making an impact, immediately earning a starting role in the secondary. His physicality, ability to read the game, and natural ball skills made him an instant contributor on defense.
During his first season at Notre Dame, Morrison was a standout player, quickly becoming known for his ability to intercept passes and shut down opposing receivers. His most notable performance came during his freshman year, when he tallied an impressive six interceptions, including multiple game-changing plays in key moments. Morrison’s six interceptions ranked third nationally and tied for the most by a Notre Dame player since Manti Te’o in 2012.
Morrison’s standout freshman campaign earned him numerous accolades, including Freshman All-America honors. He was quickly recognized as one of the most talented young cornerbacks in college football, and by the end of his first year, he was regarded as a future star.
Building on Success: The 2023 and 2024 Seasons
Morrison continued to build on his early success during his sophomore and junior seasons. In 2023, he remained one of the most dynamic cornerbacks in the country, continuing to showcase his excellent ball skills, coverage abilities, and leadership on the field. He recorded three interceptions and ten pass breakups, both of which led the team. His ability to disrupt passing plays and his physical presence on the field made him a key part of Notre Dame’s defense.
In addition to his standout playmaking ability, Morrison was also praised for his versatility. He was able to lock down receivers on the outside but also showed the ability to excel in the slot, a trait that made him a valuable asset in the modern NFL, where cornerbacks need to be able to cover a wide variety of offensive schemes.
However, Morrison’s journey at Notre Dame was not without its challenges. In October 2024, during a game against Stanford, he suffered a serious hip injury that ultimately ended his season. The injury came as a devastating blow to Morrison, who had worked so hard to develop into one of the nation’s premier cornerbacks. His future, once so bright, was now uncertain, and many wondered how the injury would affect his NFL prospects.
Injury and Recovery: A Test of Resilience
Morrison’s injury was a difficult setback, not only for his career but also for his dreams of playing in the NFL. Hip injuries can be particularly problematic for athletes, as they can severely limit mobility and agility—two crucial traits for a cornerback. Many believed that the injury could prevent Morrison from participating in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the timeline for recovery and full health could be uncertain.
Despite the severity of his injury, Morrison remained determined to return to full health. He underwent surgery to repair the damage and immediately began his rehabilitation process. Morrison was determined to prove that he could overcome this setback and show NFL teams that he was still the same elite cornerback who had impressed during his first three years at Notre Dame.
Throughout his recovery process, Morrison displayed the same work ethic and determination that had made him a standout at Notre Dame. He worked tirelessly in the training room, pushing himself every day to regain full mobility and strength. It was clear that he was not only focused on returning to the field but also on showcasing his ability to perform at the highest level once he did.
By the time the 2025 NFL Draft rolled around, Morrison was in full recovery mode. He had participated in individual workouts and pro day events, where he was able to demonstrate that his injury had not diminished his skills. Reports from scouts and trainers indicated that Morrison had regained full strength and agility, and he was once again able to showcase the speed and explosiveness that had made him such a highly regarded prospect in the first place.
NFL Draft Prospects: A Bright Future Ahead
Morrison’s decision to declare for the 2025 NFL Draft was not an easy one, but it was the right one. Despite the injury, Morrison’s stock had remained high, thanks to his impressive early career at Notre Dame and his commitment to recovery. As the draft approached, many NFL teams began to take a closer look at Morrison’s potential.
While the injury certainly raised some concerns, most teams were willing to overlook those concerns due to Morrison’s immense talent and potential. He is widely considered to be one of the top cornerbacks in the draft class, with many analysts projecting him to be a first-round pick. Mel Kiper Jr., one of the leading draft analysts at ESPN, ranked Morrison as the No. 23 overall prospect and the No. 3 cornerback in the 2025 draft class.
Scouts and evaluators have consistently praised Morrison’s size, athleticism, and coverage ability. His ability to play both outside and inside cornerback makes him a versatile option for NFL teams, and his playmaking ability—especially his knack for creating turnovers—has drawn comparisons to other top