Murphy ready to hit the road

Consider this coming weekend the beginning of the end for Connor Murphy.

The four-star defensive end from Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep is set to take his first official visit to Oregon to kick off what figures to be a whirlwind recruitment leading up to National Signing Day in February.

Murphy has been to Eugene before but this time will get an opportunity to see the Ducks in action against USC, another program the 6-foot-7, 255-pound prospect is strongly considering. He visited Arizona last weekend and said the trip thrust the Wildcats back into the conversation for his signature, though an official there is unlikely.

Excited to announce that my first official visit will be at Oregon @WinTheDay #WinTheDat #Quack pic.twitter.com/V75V5lNK3E— Connor Murphy (@CMurph_90) November 17, 2015

IN HIS WORDS: "It's shaping up to be a late decision for me," Murphy told Rivals.com. "Arizona State, USC and Michigan are three more are for sure going to get officials.

"I've also heard from some new schools. Alabama's outside linebackers contacted me and they want me to get out there on an unofficial visit so coach (Nick) Saban can see my size in person. The outside linebackers coach is trying to get me that offer and obviously if I get that, it's huge. Who doesn't love Alabama? My dad and I have been talking a little bit about going down there to see if I do get the offer. That would be awesome to play in the SEC. There are bigger dudes down there and the game is faster."

WHAT'S NEXT?: Murphy had not been to Tucson for a few years so the road trip there was an important one for the Wildcats to re-enter the fold. Still, the in-state schools face plenty of competition. There is a long-standing relationship with Jim Harbaugh at Michigan since he recruited Connor's older brother, Trent, to Stanford. The Trojans have also been recruiting Murphy through the coaching uncertainty, with assistant Chris Wilson assuring him he intends to be in Los Angeles for a long time.

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