You could say the past six months has, in some ways, been raining cats and dogs for Byron Murphy.
The former Saguaro Sabercat has transitioned into his new life as a Washington Husky (see what I did there?) after recently arriving on campus. The former two-way star who chose the Dawgs over Texas A&M, USC and a host of other high-end programs has already caught the attention of his new head coach in Seattle after camping at UW last summer.
“He’s got tremendous ball skills,” Chris Petersen told Sports360AZ.com last week at Pac-12 Football Media Days in Hollywood. “I really think he could play either side of the football. I think he could play wide receiver right now, let alone defensive back.”
Murphy is pegged to play cornerback and could play immediately this fall for the Huskies who some believe are poised for a big season after finishing 2015 7-6, 4-5 in Pac-12 play.
“We’ll see how fall camp goes and how he does and where are needs are,” Petersen explained. “Physically he’s certainly one of those guys that I think is ready to compete at this level.”
Petersen believes part of the reason he could play immediately is his days learning the game on and off the field under Jason Mohns, one of the state’s top prep coaches winning three consecutive state titles.
“I think Jason Mohns runs a heck of a program, there’s no question,” Petersen said. “Those guys know how to win.”
The five-foot-11, 172-pound Murphy has excelled in the Huskies’ strength and conditioning program in the Pacific northwest and Petersen believes his frame can handle more bulk without compromising any of his speed on the edge. He also figures to see action as a kick returner and punt returner, according to Petersen.
“I still think he’s a guy who needs to get the ball in hands,” he said.
Sometimes the more things change, the more they stay the same.
