Marcus Freeman says Notre Dame is ‘up for the challenge’ vs. Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the most talented wide receivers in recent college football history, but Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman believes his secondary is up for the tough task of containing the Ohio State star on Saturday night.
In an appearance on ESPN’s Sports Center on Friday, Freeman addressed the specific challenge of facing Harrison.
“He’s a talented, complete wide receiver,” Freeman said. “He’s extremely athletic. Great size. I could go on and on about him. He is a great football player.
“Our guys are up for the challenge. Our corners, I’ll tell you what are confident. They’re excited for the challenge. Any great competitor wants to play against the best, and he’s definitely one of the best.”
There’s no denying Harrison is arguably the best player in all of college football in 2023. The All-American has hauled in 14 passes, averaged 21.5 yards per catch, and scored 3 touchdowns in 3 games so far.
But the Ohio State wideout hasn’t faced the type of talent the Irish have in the secondary in his first 3 outings of the season.
Benjamin Morrison —who earned freshman All-American honors a season ago — was named to the Jim Thorpe watch list ahead of 203 and is graded as one of the top cornerbacks in the country according to PFF.
The Buckeyes have shown vulnerability up front, so it won’t be a surprise if Freeman and company send pressure at Ohio State QB Kyle McCord, leaving Morrison to cover Harrison in one-on-one situations. It’s a tall order, but the young defensive back appears to be up to the task and it’s clear his head coach believes in him.