INDIANAPOLIS — Before working out at the NFL Scouting Combine last week, former Notre Dame football cornerback Cam Hart expressed his full support for those he left behind.
“That corner room is nice overall,” Hart said. “Coach (Mike) Mickens has done a really great job of instilling that trait in them and relying on them and making sure they go smoothly. I don't think there will be any decline next year. .”
In fact, Hart said the nation's top pass-efficient defense could be even better in 2024. That's why he believes in Jaden Mickey, Christian Grey, Clarence Lewis, and most of all, Benjamin Morrison.
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To do that, Morrison, a rising junior from Phoenix, will need to come true on the surge predictions that both Hart and another 2023 Irish captain, quarterback Sam Hartman, have made on his behalf. There will be.
With spring practice scheduled to begin Thursday, Coach Morrison is leading the way when it comes to the Irish's next leadership group as they look to name their names for a team aiming for a national title.
“Ben Morrison is probably going to be the guy you guys talk about there for a long time, and his history and his career,” Hartman said. “He's just very mature. He handles everything like a professional.”
Even though Hartman played just one season in South Bend after transferring from Wake Forest, it takes time to understand why Morrison, who has nine career interceptions over two seasons, continues to play. It didn't take.
“In practice, he was always a guy who wanted more reps, wanted to compete, pushed guys, pushed our offense,” Hartman said. “After that, he just does his job. He never once said in a captain's meeting, 'Oh, Ben is doing this and that.' good. “
When a media questioner said that “most people” assumed Morrison would be at the combine in a year, Hart offered a friendly explanation.
“He will be,” Hart said.
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Ben Morrison's 'gnat-like' nature
Mr Hart said there was plenty of evidence behind that assessment.
“B-Mo, he's a little gnat,” Hart said. “That guy was in my back pocket from day one. He had traits that I didn't have as a freshman.”
What Morrison's teammates notice most about the 6-foot, 183-pound son of former NFL safety Darryl Morrison is his irrepressible desire to improve.
“He's always trying to get better,” Hart said. “I'm not saying he hasn't been trying to get better, but this guy is very hungry. Since day one, he's found ways to get better and find ways to get extra work on the field. He’s been texting me all night, trying to watch film and learn certain things about defense.”
Since taking over the starting role for the third game of his collegiate career, Morrison has steadfastly refused to allow himself any leeway. Hearing his Hart's words, Mr. Morrison remains determined to keep his job.
What is that “1% improvement” mantra that Marcus Freeman drives into the minds of his players? No one is taking this issue more seriously than Mr Morrison. Mr. Morrison is the youngest of five children, all of whom competed in intercollegiate sports.
Among them are two college gymnasts (Faith from the University of Washington and Naomi from the University of Michigan), an Appalachian State volleyball player (Grace) and a former Arizona State football player (Samuel).
“He's always worried about his recovery,” Hart said of Morrison. “I always tell him to just relax a little bit. 'It's going to be fine.' There are intangibles about him, but there's no 'relaxation' with that guy.”
Ben Morrison predicts a “bright future”
Morrison has played in two bowl games in his college career and had an interception in both wins: against Spencer Rattler and South Carolina in the 2022 Gator Bowl and against Oregon State in the 2023 Sun Bowl. .
The trend bodes well for the Irish program, which is considering a four-game path to Valhalla under the newly expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.
Back in El Paso in late December, Coach Morrison was asked after the game what he thought about Notre Dame's defense going forward.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “The future is bright.” “I think we have a bright future.”
Mind you, this was at least a month before defensive coordinator Al Golden signed a contract extension through 2027. And that was before All-America safety Xavier Watts officially added his name to the defense's impressive list of returning players, who also return at linebacker. Jack Kiser, second-team All-America tackle Howard Cross III, QB threat Riley Mills.
“We're coming back to support them and they're making money there,” Mr Morrison said. “Coach (Al) Golden continues to call a great scheme every week. We're going to compete from front to back. We've got a chip on our shoulders just because of defense — a lot of things happen there. That's excellent.”
With Morrison in the secondary and flying around in “gnat” fashion, expect to see a lot more happening starting Thursday.
Mike Berardino covers Notre Dame football for NDInsider.com and is active on social media @MikeBerardino.
