Fast rising prospect to take third visit

There is no question that like his now highly sought after defensive tackle teammate, Fred Thompson, athlete prospect Ryan Murphy (6-2, 205, 4.42) from Oakland (Calif.) Tech was flying way under the radar, but that isn't the case anymore as the talented two-way star has seen his stock heat up with an senior season.

There are no recorded stats for Murphy, but he did have four forced fumbles, two interceptions and had a fumble recovery that he returned for a touchdown. He also retuned one of his interceptions for a score. Obviously what defensive stats that are known, shows that he is a hard hitter and playmaker as a defensive player.

On the offensive side of the ball, Murphy rushed for 1,983 and scored 18 touchdowns. He also had two touchdown receptions and two kick returns for scores. Once again, it shows Murphy's penchant for making plays.

Murphy has offers from Arizona State, Oregon State and Washington State. He has taken visits to both ASU and Washington State.

"My visit to Arizona State went good," Murphy said. "I liked it a lot. It was what I expected. It (Tempe) is a great town to be in and it has a good college environment.

"I liked Washington State, too," Murphy said. "It was a small town so for me that could be good. I would be able to stay focused on school and football.

"I spoke to the coaching staff and I really liked them," Murphy said. "I really liked Coach Ball (Chris Ball) and Coach Wulff (WSU head coach Paul Wulff) and the rest of those guys up there.

Murphy will be visiting Oregon State this coming weekend.

"I think my visit to Oregon State is going to be good," Murphy said. "I'm going to be able to watch them practice for their bowl and seeing how the team works to prepare for a bowl game.

"I will be getting ready for the cold as well (laughs)," Murphy said. "I think I'm going to enjoy myself up there.

Jamie Christian), the coach who is recruiting Murphy for Arizona State came over for an in-house.

"My home visit with Coach Christian went well," Murphy said. "He explained the academic side of ASU and where they stand among the Pac 10. He talked to my Mom and let her know where the university stands as of recruiting me.

"I also have an in-house with Coach Erickson (Dennis Erickson scheduled and another one with Coach Wulff from Washington State."

Murphy is also getting long looks from other Pac 10 schools that may be on the verge of offering him.

"Cal and UCLA are recruiting me heavily as well," Murphy said. "Along with Fresno State, but I haven't received offers from them.

"I was supposed to get have an in-house with (UCLA assistant) Coach Moses (Wayne Moses) on Wednesday, but he wasn't able to make it that day," Murphy said. "I will possibly have one with him sometime this and there is a possibility with Cal on Sunday if I get back in time from my visit to Oregon State."

What is Murphy looking for in a college?

"I will be looking at the school's graduation rate," Murphy said. "Academic support will also be important. Then I'll be looking for early playing time."

Murphy is an outstanding athlete who plays both ways and his versatility makes him an even more valuable recruit.

Oregon State is recruiting him as an athlete. The Beavers like him as both a running back and a safety. Same as Arizona State while Washington State is recruiting him as a safety. For Cal and UCLA, Murphy is being recruited as a safety.

Murphy wants to wait on his decision until late December to see if Cal, UCLA and Fresno State come in with offers. If those three schools do not come in with offers, he will make his decision in late December.

As of right now, Arizona State has a lead over Washington State and Oregon State, but Murphy said that order could change after his visit to Oregon State this weekend.