- Name: James Morrison
- Position: OL (currently LG)
- College: University of St. Thomas
- height: 6’6
- Weight: 345
- Twitter: j_morr99
- Instagram: jmo78_
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2027 NFL Draft?
What makes me a top prospect is my versatility, my work ethic, and how serious I am about every part of the game. I’m confident that I can play all five positions on the offensive line, and I take pride in being someone a team can trust wherever they need me. I also think my engineering background has helped the way I approach football because I’m always trying to understand how and why something works, not just memorizing what I’m supposed to do. Above all, I will bring consistency, maximum effort, and always put the needs of the team first.
Tell me about a time you faced adversity and how did you respond?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced recently collectively has been the last three years as a whole. I was balancing a mechanical engineering degree, three part-time jobs, and of course, Division 1 football. There were many days where I was extremely tired and felt like there wasn’t enough time in the day, but giving up or neglecting a part of my commitments wasn’t really an option for me. I learned how to manage my time, prioritize what needs to be done, and continue to show motivation and willingness to work every day. Looking back, this hardship pushed me to be better while still performing to the best of my ability.
What are your hobbies outside of football?
My hobbies outside of football include anything outdoors. In particular, hunting and fishing. I enjoy working on anything with a motor. I thoroughly enjoy taking things apart and finding a way to put them back together.
What role do you see yourself playing at the next level?
I see myself as a reliable offensive lineman who can come in, compete, and earn a role where I’m deemed a good fit. I want to prove that I can be someone who can play multiple spots, be reliable when my number is called, and eventually earn a starting role. More than anything, I want to be the type of player that a team knows they can count on every week.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
If I could donate to one cause in the world, it would have to be the Platelet Disorder Support Association (PDSA). My sister has ITP, an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to destroy platelets and can lead to abnormal bleeding and bruising. Because of that, platelet disorders, specifically ITP, have always been a part of my life. I have personally experienced how a diagnosis like my sisters can affect a person and their family. Being able to support research, awareness, and resources for other people living with ITP or other autoimmune disorders means a lot to me.
How do you handle teaching, especially criticism or repeated correction?
I treat teaching and criticism as opportunities to learn. You can’t get better by continuing to do the same things over and over again, so if something can be corrected, even the smallest detail, I want it to be brought to my attention. I want to take honest instruction, even if it is
harsh or repetitive, extreme silence because I know it helps me improve. Some of my best performances have come after being told areas I could be better at. Nothing motivates me more than beating myself.
Who is the most underrated colleague at your school?
I would say Jeffrey Keller. He’s another offensive lineman, so I see firsthand how hard he works every day. He does everything the right way and may not always get the most playing time or recognition, but he’s always there and does the little things that help the team. He also brings a ton of energy, not just to the offensive line room, but to the entire team. Fans in the stands could literally hear him hyping up the team before kickoff. Not everyone has that kind of energy.
If you could have dinner with three people, dead or alive, who would it be and why would you choose them?
I would choose Jesus, my grandfather, and one of the Wright brothers. I choose Jesus because my faith is a big part of my life, and I can’t imagine the questions I would ask for Him. My grandfather is one of my best friends and lives just a few blocks away from me. He’s the guy who got me hooked on cars and the outdoors, so I’ll never spend dinner with him again. Finally, I would choose one of the Wright brothers. Outside of football, one of my biggest dreams is to become an aerospace engineer, so talking to someone who helped invent the airplane and completely change the world would be
something a child could only dream of.
If you were to be benched tomorrow, what would be the likely reason?
If I get benched tomorrow, it will probably be because I made some mental mistakes. I’m confident in my ability and how I’m preparing, so if I’m taken off the field, I expect it to be for something to be corrected like that. I will own it, fix it, and be ready when my number is called again.
Walk me through your routine before the game?
Always start by praying to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to play the game I love. After praying, I go into my pregame stretch/activation routine, throw on the game day tunes, and make my way from the weight room to the locker room before getting dressed for gameday.
What is your favorite snack?
My favorite snack is pickles, specifically the hottie bites from Oh Snap!
What method do you think suits you best?
I feel like I’m best suited to a downhill, physical running scheme where I can use my size and strength to move people at the point of attack. I also think I’m athletic enough to pull up, step up to the second level, and work in space, so I don’t want to limit my abilities to just one technique. I’m comfortable learning whatever the offense makes me do.
What is your degree in?
Bachelors in mechanical engineering. I am currently working on a masters in mechanical engineering.
What’s the first thing you buy with your first NFL check?
My first NFL review will probably be given to my parents. I want to buy them something meaningful like paying off their current house or car. They sacrificed so much time, effort, money, and countless other things to help me get to where I am today. Being able to use the money I earned, by fulfilling the dream they helped me achieve, will be something pretty special.
Describe a time in a game where you think you made a mistake, and explain how you recovered?
I will be back in our opening game this year. Early in the fourth quarter, we were in a close game and marching down the field when I was called for unnecessary roughness after a late hit following the whistle. A 15-yard penalty killed the drive. They ended up tying the game after that, so I know my mistake hurt us. I just have to own it, move on, and keep playing instead of letting a bad game get in my head. We ended up taking the lead, and our defense sealed the win with an interception.
Give three songs, we can expect in your playlist?
Glorious (Macklemore), Rather Be (Clean Bandit), and Run This Town (Rihanna)
NFL Draft Diamonds was created to help the underdogs who play the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past few years, and I will continue my mission. We have several contributors to this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com