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Lions UDFA Spotlight: Fresno State's Morice Norris' versatility gives him a shot to make the 53-man roster

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Mike Payton | Last updated 4/28/24

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books and undrafted free agency is still happening. The Lions could very well sign some more players. Sunday feels like a good time to shed some light on some of the undrafted free agents the Lions have signed. One of the big ones is Fresno State cornerback Morice Norris.

We learned back in March that the Lions had shown some interest in Norris after they had taken him out to dinner following his pro day at Fresno State.

Sanger native Morice Norris Jr. repping the 559 out here at pro day. He’s got some custom FRESNO shorts. Says he gives himself an A++ on his performance. Added that the Eagles like his versatility, and he had dinner with the Lions. pic.twitter.com/Qq09AZBhTs
— Alec Nolan (@AlecABC30) March 18, 2024

His versatility has to be what drew the Lions to him. Norris played outside corner, inside corner and safety in his two years at Fresno State. In 2023 he had a big season at nickel corner for the Bulldogs. He had two interceptions, 10 pass breakups and 3.5 sacks in 13 games.

One of the big things with Norris is his story. He was a basketball player before the football team at Sanger high recruited him to play. He then broke records for Sanger and got a chance to play for Orange Coast community college before tearing his ACL.

Morris was then given a walk on spot at New Mexico State. This was a chance for him to play divsion one college football. But the coaching staff changed their mind and took that spot away from him.

Morris then went to a prospects camp and it was there that Fresno State noticed him. They brought him in and the rest is history. Now he's with the Lions and will get a chance to make their 53-man roster. It's a classic case of a guy fighting adversity and finding a way.

We'll see very soon how Norris does at rookie mini camp and then training camp. Lions GM Brad Holmes has a good history of finding undrafted players that other teams are overlooking. Norris could be that next guy

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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