SoCal JC DB climbing the charts

One of the fastest rising junior college players is cornerback/safety, Malcolm Murray (6-2, 210, 4.4) from Walnut (Calif.) Mt. SAC. He played his high school ball at Gardena (Calif.) Serra where he was a first-team all-league, all-area, all-CIF and all-state performer.

Murray on the season has three picks, two while playing safety and one whole playing corner with a lot of pass breakups but the amount is unknown. One of his picks, he returned back 85 yards for a score. He has the ability to play either safety or cornerback on the next level and is being recruited for his skills at both.

On the recruiting trail, Murray has six offers from Kansas, Illinois, Minnesota, Louisville, Nevada and Arizona.

"I go to visit Kansas this weekend (Dec. 4th)," Murray said. "The following weekend I am tripping to Minnesota (Dec. 11th) and possibly Arizona right after that.

"I'll be going to each school for two days apiece and then the following weekend, I'll be going to Illinois."

Murray committed to Oregon out of high school, but due to his academic situation, he ended not qualifying.

"My coach has been trying to call (Oregon defensive back coach/recruiting coordinator) Don Pellum, because he recruits out here," Murray said. "He's the one who recruited me out of high school."

What is Murray looking for in a D-I school?

"I'm looking for a real good football program that has a good history," Murray said. "I would like to go in and compete for playing time and make a difference wherever I go.

"Location doesn't matter," Murray said. "As long as I'm playing and it is a good program, location really doesn't matter.

Does Murray have a timetable for his decision?

"For right now I want to take my trips," Murray said. "I haven't made up my mind yet and I'm not leaning towards anybody.

"I'm going to take my trips first then talk it over with my parents and (Mt. SAC defensive backs coach) Coach (Donte') Williams, " Murray said. "Then we will take it from there."

Great football players run in Murray's family as his cousin is five-star USC bound, Robert Woods from Gardena (Calif.) Serra.

Academically, Murray learned his lesson and is a serious student who carries a 3.3 GPA, is UC qualified, a December grad and has three years to play three of eligibility.