SEC interest picking up for Murphy

Connor Murphy has taken his time with the recruiting process and, even from the start, knew he would likely make his decision closer to National Signing Day.

The initial plan doesn't appear to be changing.

The four-star defensive end from Phoenix (Ariz.) Brophy Prep has been in serious talks with Alabama as of late and, though the Crimson Tide have yet to offer, it appears that a visit could be in the works. Murphy, the brother of Washington Redskins second-year defensive end Trent Murphy, has also been contacted by several other SEC programs, including South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.

Just got off another long phone call. This time it was with Outside Linebacker coach from @AlabamaFTBL . Big things ahead! #RollTide— Connor Murphy (@CMurph_90) December 23, 2015

IN HIS WORDS: "I've been talking to outside linebackers coach (Tosh Lupoi) for a while now," Murphy told Rivals.com. "He loves my personality, my build and how raw I am considering I've only started playing football my sophomore year. I'd be a hybrid for them -- defensive end and outside linebacker. I have not been out there but obviously I would be interested. I'll release everything soon once I talk to the head coach and confirm everything."

WHAT'S NEXT?: Murphy, the No. 4-rated prospect in Arizona for the 2016 class, has set official visits to USC (Jan. 15) and Michigan (Jan. 22), so the trip to see the Tide would have to fall in between or after those if he intends to have some time to consider his options. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound prospect previously visited Oregon and has also mentioned nearby Arizona State as another possibility.

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