Making the Case: Myles Murphy
A lot of spring games are being played this week in Georgia, and there is one specific game that many wo follow recruiting will have their eye on. Marietta and Hillgrove match-up Friday night and that will have over a dozen Power 5 prospects suiting up in it. One prospect will announce his decision at halftime as well.
Today, experts from the Rivals.com network examine where five-star defensive end Myles Murphy of Powder Springs (Ga.) Hillgrove might end up playing his college football. He will announce his decision Friday night and the candidates are Auburn and Clemson.
THE SITUATION
Murphy is one of the most coveted prospects in the country. He is a premiere defensive end with NFL written all over him. He is not only elite on the field, but he is extremely strong in the classroom too, making him that much more attractive to college coaches nationwide. He is one of the select few that can say they can play anywhere in the country.
Some schools outside the region, like Michigan and Ohio State, hung around in this race early, but the main contenders have always been Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Georgia. The Crimson Tide faded in recent months, then it became a battle of three. Georgia was eliminated, and now it is down to Auburn and Clemson.
He has visited each school over half a dozen times, he has relationships on each staff and he feels he fits into their style of play. Murphy also wants to go into the engineering field, and each school is strong in that.
With Murphy set to announce later this week, we know he will be a Tiger, but which one in which conference? That is the only question that remains. With a decision coming into focus, we asked our team experts to state the case for their respective programs and let National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell issue a verdict.
THE CASE FOR AUBURN
Auburn had some serious momentum early in Murphy’s recruitment. Murphy visited Auburn several times during his junior year, was enamored with the family vibe, the engineering program and developed a strong bond with defensive line coach Rodney Garner. Auburn also had one of Murphy’s cousins in its corner, former defensive lineman Dexter Murphy. They are all reasons why Auburn is in Murphy’s final two.
However, it could be as high as Auburn will rise. Not many schools are beating Clemson in recruiting right now, and that includes Auburn. It appears Auburn will be the latest victim in Clemson’s climb to the top of the recruiting world.” - Jeffrey Lee, AuburnSports.com
THE CASE FOR CLEMSON
"You hear coaches talk a lot about finding players who fit their program. In essence, you’re profiling personalities to whom the defining traits of your school and team will appeal. Former five-star defensive end K.J. Henry felt like a Clemson match from the beginning, and here’s believing Murphy and his recruitment share a lot of similarities.
"Auburn’s engineering department has certainly resonated with Murphy and his family. But the read here is that Clemson checks more of the overall boxes, particularly from the relational standpoint. Not to mention the national champs offer a contrasting picture in stability.” - Paul Strelow, TigerIllustrated.com
THE VERDICT
“I think Murphy picks Clemson as he's been leaning that way for the longest time and the defensive line production at Clemson is a huge lure.” – Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Director of Recruiting