Decision Day | 2022 CB Benjamin Morrison

Alabama, Notre Dame and Washington are three schools you don’t hear too often mentioned in a final three for a prospect. 

2022 Brophy Prep (Ariz.) cornerback Benjamin Morrison‍ will decide between the three programs on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. ET. 

In this case, Notre Dame is the outlier off the field and also on the field in terms of recent history and development at the position, which is another reason why Morrison is an important target for Mike Mickens and Marcus Freeman. 

Alabama and Washington fans will likely admit Notre Dame’s academics win this race as there is little question there. Freeman and his defensive staff have challenged recruits to “Think Big” and to take football out of the equation, which has been pretty effective as of late. 

On the field, the Crimson Tide and Huskies are the cream of the crop when it comes to high draft picks at the defensive back position. Alabama has had nine defensive backs drafted since 2015, including seven in the first three rounds. Washington has also had nine defensive backs drafted in the same period, but also matched Alabama with seven being taken in the first three rounds.

Notre Dame has had four defensive backs drafted since 2015 and only KeiVarae Russell was taken in the first three rounds. 

That said, it’s not all doom and gloom for the Irish as Morrison took official visits to Notre Dame and Washington following an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa in June. As Morrison’s decision is hours away, it seems like this is more of a two-team battle instead of three. 

Notre Dame seemed in position to land a commitment from the four-star prospect following his trip to South Bend, but following the trip to Washington, it seemed like the Huskies surged out in front and there were rumors of a silent commitment. 

Freeman and Mickens didn’t concede defeat and went to work to get the Irish firmly back in the race heading into Thursday’s decision. 

The Arizona native has put a big emphasis on family over the last few weeks and it’s clear Notre Dame and Washington were able to show Morrison exactly what he was looking for in terms of the environment. 

What could be the deciding factor in the end? 

It’s a tough call as Morrison’s sister was a student-athlete at Washington and he’s only been to Notre Dame once. The Brophy Prep star hasn’t been shy about wanting a quality education and Notre Dame can offer a different opportunity than Alabama and Washington. 

It’s a tough call as I’m not sure you can count out any staff as all three have proven they can close in the final hours or even minutes of a recruitment. Notre Dame got my prediction on June 15th and it hasn’t changed heading into Morrison’s decision.

Rankings
ISD: 90 (four-star)
247: 90 (four-star)
Rivals: 5.8 (four-star)
ESPN: 80 (four-star)
Composite: 89.58 (four-star)

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