Four-star DE stops by ASU

Connor Murphy hasn't scheduled any official visits but he made an important stop Saturday to get a feel for two of the schools recruiting him the hardest.

While three of Arizona's top-rated recruits left the state to see other programs over the weekend, Murphy stayed home to visit Arizona State for the USC game, seeing a couple teams he said have made him feel like a priority this year.

The four-star defensive end from Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep didn't arrive at Sun Devil Stadium in time to chat with any of the coaches, but he's in contact with the staff and has a good feel for how they would intend to use him.

Brophy DE Connor Murphy (@CMurph_90) with ASU commit & Centennial OL Marshal Nathe (@_bubba78_). pic.twitter.com/S8IZgUgJpr- Ralph@ArizonaVarsity (@AZHSFB) September 27, 2015

WHAT'S NEXT?: The 6-foot-7, 255-pound rush end intends to take some official visits toward the end of his senior season and then a couple more prior to announcing a decision. He has not scheduled anything as of yet. Murphy said an unofficial visit to see the Los Angeles schools could be in the works as well.

IN HIS WORDS: "I paid close attention to both ASU and USC on Saturday," Murphy said. "For recruits, it's more about seeing how they are going to be in the future. It will matter for us who they beat and lose to two or three years from now when we are the ones competing for a title. So I don't think the big loss will have too much of an effect on recruiting.

"Hopefully I can get officials toward the end of my season and then obviously more after. I might drive up to Southern California for some unofficials since it's close."

RIVALS' REACTION: It wasn't the first time Murphy stopped by Arizona State and it likely won't be the last, so the Sun Devils certainly look like contenders on this front. The Trojans have expressed their interest, selling Murphy on him being their hybrid 'backer off the edge, and it has resonated with him, so a return trip to Los Angeles appears likely. UCLA assistant Angus McClure attended Murphy's game Friday as the Bruins look to continue making noise on the West Coast, and it should be interesting to see whether both L.A. programs draw visits. Murphy also traveled to Oregon this past summer and he said he hopes to set an official to see the Ducks in person. Michigan, with the family connection to Jim Harbaugh, could also be considered a serious player for Murphy, who wants to patiently sort through things in the coming months.

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