Fla. DE Clarence Murphy talks Terps pledge
For Hollywood Hills (Fla.) defensive end Clarence Murphy, nothing was able to top his first scholarship offer.
That offer came from Maryland last spring, when Terps defensive coordinator Don Brown visited the 6-foot-2, 235-pound prospect.
“They were the first big school to come after me,” Murphy said. “It was a good experience when they first talked to me and when I went on my visit and they came to visit me at my home and school. I just really fell in love with the coaching staff and the players. I just really felt comfortable with Maryland.”
Murphy committed to Maryland on Thursday, selecting the Terps over Michigan, South Florida and Colorado State, among others. Murphy cited Maryland’s criminology program, the school’s proximity to Washington and available playing time as reasons for his decision.
“I got real comfortable with the D-line coach, coach [Dave] Sollazzo,” Murphy said. “They really need defensive ends. So if I come in at an ideal size and work hard, I’ll have an opportunity to get some playing time or even potentially start. It’s got me real pumped up right now.”
Murphy, who made his official visit to Maryland for the Terps’ 20-9 homecoming loss against Virginia, has been going through the recruiting process at the same time as his teammate and good friend, cornerback Tony Grimes. Both players were seriously considering offers from Maryland and Michigan.
“Me and my friend, Tony Grimes, were planning on going to school together,” Murphy said. “I think he stopped favoring Michigan a little bit. He went up there and got into some cold weather a little bit. … [So] he’s still weighing things out a little bit. He’s still waiting until Signing Day [to commit]. At this point, if [he wants to come to Maryland], I’m all for it. But I will just be happy wherever he goes. As long as we both go to school, we’ll see each other again, hopefully at the next level and later in life.”
While College Park is a long way from Hollywood Hills, Murphy said his family and friends look forward to seeing him play next year on TV and in person when the Terps visit Miami.
“They were just really happy for me,” Murphy said. “They were happy that I made the first big choice as a man in life. They’re really excited to see me come up to school.”
Comments
Murphy now needs to work on his teammate, Grimes. A nice CB addition wouldn't hurt the recruiting class at all.
Posted by: Terp'nTexas | January 9, 2010 9:44 PM
yes, i can dig that, Grimes said he will go to College with Murphy LEE haha, thats my quick fast nick name for dude,
so i hope Grimes is a man of his word. Murphy Lee and Grimes will help this defense a lot.
Posted by: OBAFEMI | January 9, 2010 10:40 PM
Four-star senior Javarie Johnson (Washington, D.C./Dunbar) has decommitted from the Hurricanes and is now set to play to the Terps, ESPN affiliate Web site InsideMDSports.com reports.
"Basically, he just wanted to be closer to home and he chose Maryland over Miami," said Dunbar High assistant coach Ashaa Cherry.
Michigan, Michigan State, West Virginia, Florida, UConn, Illinois, N.C. State, Pittsburgh, Louisville, Minnesota, Virginia Tech, Iowa and New Mexico also offered Johnson, who originally picked Miami in June.
Posted by: Brannan | January 10, 2010 5:10 PM
Awesome news guys, J Johnson is basically the DE version of Vernon Davis, Kid is a beast. who woul dhave thought it, 2-10 season, and might end up with the terps best recruiting class ever lol. i love college football.
Posted by: OBAFEMI | January 11, 2010 12:31 AM
glad to have you ... based on the comments and from what i read, you will be a top-terp. defenders from fla do well at md...d jackson mid linebacker comes to mind.
Posted by: pepper | January 11, 2010 6:44 AM
pepper JJ is not from Florida, he just commited to Miami.
He is from Washinton DC, Dunbar HS the same school Vernon Davis went too.
Posted by: OBAFEMI | January 12, 2010 7:29 AM
obafemi - thanks, that makes it even better cause i keep reading over and over and over etc that md doesnt recruit in md/dc.
i love it,
Posted by: pepper | January 12, 2010 11:14 PM