The path to the National Football League is paved with relentless dedication, extraordinary talent, and often, significant adversity. For Benjamin Morrison, the standout cornerback from Notre Dame, his NFL journey exemplifies this challenging yet ultimately rewarding pursuit. Despite a promising college career punctuated by a significant injury in his final season, Morrison stayed true to his dream, culminating in his selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. His story is a testament to perseverance, raw ability, and the belief that dreams, however challenging, can be achieved.
Benjamin Morrison’s football prowess was evident early in his career. A highly-touted four-star recruit out of Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, Arizona, he committed to the University of Notre Dame, a prestigious program known for developing NFL-caliber talent. His decision to join the Fighting Irish set the stage for an impactful collegiate career.
Morrison wasted no time making his presence felt in South Bend. As a true freshman in 2022, he burst onto the scene, immediately earning playing time and quickly establishing himself as a ball-hawking playmaker. He recorded an incredible six interceptions in his debut season, tying a 49-year-old school record for freshmen. This included a memorable performance against Clemson where he notched two interceptions, one of which was an iconic 96-yard pick-six that swung momentum. His stellar freshman campaign earned him multiple Freshman All-American honors from various publications, signaling his arrival as one of college football’s most exciting young defensive backs.
His sophomore season in 2023 further solidified his status as an elite cornerback. Morrison played in 12 games, making 11 starts, and continued to showcase his exceptional coverage skills. He recorded three more interceptions, bringing his career total to nine (second-most among Irish defenders since 1996), and led the Irish with 10 pass breakups. His consistent performance earned him a spot as a Thorpe Award semifinalist, an award given to the nation’s best defensive back, and he held his own against elite receivers like Marvin Harrison Jr.
Entering his junior season in 2024, Benjamin Morrison was widely projected as a potential first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was named a preseason First-Team All-American by ESPN and The Sporting News, and his future appeared incredibly bright. He continued to perform at a high level through the first six games of the season, tallying 20 tackles and four pass breakups.
However, the unforgiving nature of football dealt him a significant blow. In October 2024, during Notre Dame’s game against Stanford, Morrison suffered a hip labrum tear. This severe injury required season-ending surgery, abruptly cutting short his promising junior campaign. It was a devastating setback, not only for Morrison personally but also for Notre Dame’s defense. The injury immediately injected uncertainty into his NFL Draft stock, as teams would now have to weigh his elite talent against medical concerns and a shortened final collegiate season.
The period following his injury was a test of Morrison’s resolve. Instead of letting the setback derail his dreams, he focused on his rehabilitation, meticulously working to return to full health. He was unable to participate in on-field drills at the NFL Combine or Notre Dame’s Pro Day in early 2025 due to his recovery. However, he met with teams, provided medical updates, and showcased his knowledge and understanding of the game. He held his own private showcase to demonstrate his progress and athleticism.
Despite the injury, NFL teams recognized Morrison’s undeniable talent and the significant potential he still possessed. His collegiate tape spoke volumes:
- Exceptional Ball Skills: His nine career interceptions and 18 passes defensed showcased his innate ability to track the ball, break on throws, and make plays at the catch point, even with his back to the quarterback.
- Fluid Athlete with Good Short-Area Quickness: He displayed smooth movements, controlled balance in his backpedal, and quick transitions, allowing him to stick to receivers in coverage.
- Versatility: He demonstrated the ability to play both outside and in the slot, as well as in both man and zone coverage schemes, a highly coveted trait in today’s NFL.
- Physicality in Run Support: Despite his build (6’0″, 193 lbs), he showed a willingness to be physical, set the edge, and contribute in the run game.
- High Football IQ: His ability to read offenses and anticipate routes was evident in his consistent playmaking.
On Friday, April 25, 2025, Benjamin Morrison’s unwavering dedication paid off. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, holding the 53rd overall pick in the second round, selected him, making him the highest-selected Irish player in the 2025 Draft.
The Buccaneers’ decision was a calculated risk, but one they felt confident in. As Assistant General Manager Mike Biehl stated, “I would say he’s a first-round talent… The injury certainly factored into it, I would think, for a lot of people this year. We’re just excited to get him. He brings a lot to the table as a player and, again, another high-character kid who will fit in really good in this class.” 1General Manager Jason Licht confirmed that the team was comfortable with his medicals and expected him to be ready for training camp in July.
The Buccaneers prioritized adding talent to their secondary, an area that Head Coach Todd Bowles had specifically highlighted as a need. Morrison’s versatility, ability to make plays on the ball, and confident, competitive approach perfectly align with what Bowles and the Buccaneers seek in their defensive backs. He joins a cornerback room with veterans like Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean, where he can learn and potentially contribute immediately as a rookie, either outside or in the slot.
Benjamin Morrison’s NFL journey is only just beginning. He’s overcome a significant hurdle, proving his resilience and determination. His combination of natural talent, football intelligence, and relentless work ethic positions him to be a long-term starter and a key contributor for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
His story is a powerful narrative of “following your dreams.” It serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes that even when faced with unexpected adversity, maintaining focus, committing to recovery, and trusting in one’s abilities can ultimately lead to the realization of a lifelong ambition. The gridiron, like life, presents challenges, but for Benjamin Morrison, each hurdle has only strengthened his resolve to seize his moment in the NFL.
