Ryan Murphy vs. Towson, 2010
Backstory
Ryan Murphy was yet another one of former assistant coach Greg Sigler's great Texas recruits back in late 2008/early 2009.
Some skeptics looked at his academic all state honors out of Alamo Heights High School in San Antonio and assumed he was one of those kids they bring in to conform to academic banding.
But insiders knew better. Murphy was a blistering fast player with a real nose for the football.
After a year on JV, Murphy started getting serious playing time in his sophomore season of 2010 before becoming a starter in 2011.
Year by Year Results
2010: In his first year with the varsity, had 26 total tackles including four sacks.
2011: Upped his totals to 43 tackles including five sacks in his first full year as a starter.
Best Moments
-Burst onto the scene in week two of the 2010 season with four tackles including a sack against Towson. Columbia won, 24-10.
-A week later in the 42-14 rout over Princeton, Murphy really busted out with nine total tackles and another sack.
-Was considerably quieter on the stat sheet for the rest of the season except for the week 9 win over Cornell when he had two sacks in that come- from-behind thriller.
-In the Homecoming heartbreaker loss to Penn in 2011, Murphy had another two sacks to help keep Columbia close.
-Sacked Cornell QB Jeff Mathews for a 12-yard loss in the week 9 shootout loss in Ithaca, meaning Murphy has personally sacked Mathews three times.
-In the week 10 2011 thriller against Brown, Murphy was a key factor in the win. He finished with six tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and a pass break up. Those two sacks were the turning points in the game. With Brown leading 21-7 in the 4th quarter, Murphy sacked Brown QB Kyle Newhall-Caballero for a nine-yard loss and forced a fumble that was recovered at the Bear 46 by Seyi Adebayo. Columbia marched those 46 yards to a TD on that possession to make it 21-14
On the next Brown possession, Murphy sacked Newhall-Caballero for an 11-yard loss to the Brown 5 to force a three-and-out. On the ensuing Lion possession, Columbia scored the tying TD.
One the second-to-last play of the game, Murphy was in on the tackle that held Bear RB Mark Kachmer to a no gain on 3rd and goal at the Lion one yard line.
Scouting Report
Great pass rusher who can out maneuver just about any blocker at the Ivy League level.
Has good hands and instincts defending against the pass, especially when the ball's still in the air.
Needs to be more consistent and tough against the run.
Jake's Take
Murphy is another one of those players whose personal success is very much tied to the team's success. As guys like Murphy, Martin and Brackett go, so go the Lions.
We knew this coming into last season and while Murphy was a great factor, he wasn't consistent enough to help Columbia to more than one win.
If he steps things up enough to log an All Ivy season, Columbia's chances to climb well out of the cellar will increase strongly.
2 comments:
Ryan Murphy is a terrific passrusher who will be part of an outstanding group of linebackers playing for Columbia this year. Watch for the Lions to show much pass rush this year with Martin, Murphy, Ollinger, Adebayo and Melka leading the way. Napier and Padilla should compete for playing time at DL which will make everyone better. Expect a real battle for playing time on the defensive and middle linebacker. Also expect some blitzes from the defensive backs. As was evident in the intrasquad game, the defense is trying to develop its own identity and pride which is what you need to be successful.
I have always wondered if Murphy could play strong safety.
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