Get to Know DeMarco Murray
By Craig HaubertMillions flock to Las Vegas every year hoping to strike it rich in the many casinos the flashy city has to offer. Well, this year recruiters from all the major college football programs have also flocked to Vegas hoping to strike it rich, but not on the gaming tables. Rather, they are heading away from the Vegas strip to the shadows of America's playground to Bishop Gorman High School.
There you will find ESPN's No. 1-rated running back DeMarco Murray. Murray, who is quite possibly the best overall athlete of any running back in this class, got recruiters drooling last year, when he rushed for more than 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. If those numbers were not impressive enough, he has stepped up his game in his senior year. This year, he has rushed for 1,484 yards so far with 22 trips to the end zone. The secret to Murray's success?
"I feel I have great vision," says Murray.
That vision enables him to make defenders miss and make things happen when he has the ball in his hands. The athletic back is more then just a threat as a running back but can also burn teams with his hands. At this point in his senior year, he has grabbed 18 catches for 534 yards and seven touchdowns. It is his ability to hurt you in so many different ways that has college coaches flocking to his door and opposing high school defensive coordinators losing sleep at night. It wasn't always certain that Murray was headed for stardom as a running back -- he didn't even begin playing that position until his freshman year of high school. Although it took coaches a while to catch on, DeMarco's father Kevin knew early on that his son would be a good running back. He has two older brothers who are also running backs, but his father felt DeMarco could be the best of the bunch.
While Murray is receiving national attention, it appears he has narrowed his choices to three. USC, Oklahoma and Florida are the lucky three vying for the talented back's services. There are still some factors that he is considering to help narrow that list to one -- the relationship with the coaches and players, academics and whether he will have the opportunity to play as a freshman. These are among the reasons that these three schools have found there way to the top of the list.
Says Murray, "I feel more comfortable with these schools' offensive schemes, and feel I can come in right away and play as a freshman."
He has already taken visits to Oklahoma and Florida, leaving USC as the only school of his top three to officially visit. He has been to USC unofficially but is waiting until after his season to head over there for an official visit. Although he won't announce his decision for a while, he will consult with his father and Bishop Gorman head coach David White about his decision.
However, as DeMarco said, "When all is said and done, it is going to be my decision."
Murray Q&A
Scouts Inc.: What is your favorite NFL team?
DeMarco Murray: Detroit Lions.
Scouts Inc.: Who is your favorite player?
Murray: LaDainian Tomlinson. I like his work ethic and the way the Chargers can spread him out to catch passes. I like to catch some balls as well as run.
Scouts Inc.: What is it about your position that you love?
Murray: Having the ball in my hands. I like that I can make something big happen for the team.
Scouts Inc.: Do you have a pregame ritual?
Murray: Go to church after school, then pregame meal, then listen to music, then pray.
Scouts Inc.: Favorite band/artist/group?
Murray: Singer, Usher. Rapper, Eminem.
Scouts Inc.: Favorite high school football movie?
Murray: "Varsity Blues."
Scouts Inc.: What are your goals for your senior season?
Murray: Only one goal and that is a team goal -- to win the state title.
Craig Haubert is a recruiting coordinator for Scouts Inc.
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