Rivals100 DT talks recruiting
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.- Rivals100 defensive tackle Kerry Murphy says that the same three schools, Alabama, Auburn and Miami (Fla.), are in contention for his services, but that the Crimson Tide's hiring of Miami Dolphins and former LSU head coach Nick Saban could seal the deal for a commitment to his longtime favorite.
"As far as recruiting goes, everything is still the same," Murphy said. "It's Alabama, Auburn and Miami."
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The 6-foot-5, 320-pounder, who currently is rated as the state of Alabama's No. 1 overall prospect, added that with the naming of Saban as the Crimson Tide's head football coach, that puts Bama clearly out in front.
"I think I'd have to go there if he got the job," he said. "I know he's an excellent coach and if he goes from the pro level to the college level, that will impact the team."
Murphy added that Saban's defensive background was appealing.
"The head coach will spend more time with the defensive players and it will make a better impact on me," he said.
Murphy has been spending time in South Florida this week during practice for the inaugural Offense-Defense All-American Bowl. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday night and will be televised live by ESPNU.
"I have enjoyed the weather down here a lot," he said. "So Miami is up there, too."
Rivals.com is the official selection partner of the game.
Murphy said that Mike Shula's Alabama coaching staff has stayed in touch while the Tide searched for a coach.
"They can't call us now, so I've been kind of text messaging with them," he said.
In terms of his performance on the field this week, Murphy believes he's done well.
"I think I'm doing pretty good," he said. "Our o-line is good and everybody is having a good time. I think that the West has some pretty good lineman, so it should be a pretty good game."
Murphy mentioned that Georgia commitment Antwane Greenlee was one of the better offensive lineman he's seen this year.
The four-star prospect shocked onlookers at a team photo shoot Wednesday by doing four consecutive backfilps.
"People didn't think I could do it, but I did," he said.
Murphy is the nation's No. 50 overall prospect.