Ducks rank high for Murphy

Connor Murphy had a very productive spring evaluation period as he saw his offer sheet expand to over a dozen schools.

The three-star defensive end from Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep garnered close looks from coaches across the country and this past weekend it was Murphy's turn to check out one of his many suitors. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound prospect visited Oregon on Monday and returned to the desert with a better feel for the Ducks.

"One thing that really stood out to me about the Oregon trip was that it was one big, happy family," Murphy said. "They were great hosts. All the coaches treated me like family.

"I've been talking to coach (Erik) Chinander and a linebacker coach, and they have told me that in first- and second-down situations I'd be standing up at outside linebacker. On third- and fourth-down, they would like me with my hand in the dirt to get after the quarterback. That all sounded like a really good fit for me."

The weekend stay in Eugene was only the second college visit for Murphy, who previously had seen hometown Arizona State. Given the limited information, he wasn't ready to outright name the Ducks his leaders but they certainly helped themselves with a great visit.

"I can't go out and say I want to go to Oregon or anything like that because it's just what I've seen so far, but the visit definitely put them up there in the ranks," Murphy said. "I'm going to be looking at them in the future without a doubt."

Murphy, the No. 5-rated prospect in Arizona according to Rivals.com, already has his sights set on the schools he'll visit next.

"I'm going to try to convince my dad to drive out to Los Angeles some time next weekend, if not in July," Murphy said. "I want to check out USC and UCLA. I probably get the most mail from both those schools. Coach (Peter) Sirmon over at USC is always messaging me on Twitter and I like UCLA, too. Both those schools would be dream schools, for sure. I just can't wait to get out there and check them out."

Though Murphy admitted he hasn't connected with Michigan much since the Wolverines offered, he said he would probably try to get there for a visit late this summer or early into the season. His brother, Trent, played for Jim Harbaugh at Stanford.

"After summer time and after I visit some of these schools I want to see, I'm going to narrow my list," Murphy said. "I'm not sure yet on official visits. I'd like to visit Oregon again. I want to check out one of their games during the season, but I haven't set a date yet.

"My dad and I have been talking about how it would be nice to stay on the West Coast, but of course if I fall in love with some place out east I won't hesitate to commit there. I'd like to stay on the West Coast, but I'm open to everywhere right now."

Murphy had 12 tackles for loss, 70 total tackles and two fumble recoveries as a junior at Brophy Prep.