Kevin Murphy, A Humble Leader, 1st to Commit for 2015
By, Matt Schonvisky
It’s hard to be thoroughly impressed with someone without ever meeting them, but in the case of Kevin Murphy, the first recruit to commit to Bob Diaco for the class of 2015, a standing ovation needs to be given. How about a bravo? Let’s add an encore for good measure.
Passion, energy, determination and maturity beyond his years seep through the voice of the soon-to-be senior defensive lineman out of West Chester East High School in West Chester, PA.
“This is unbelievable really,” said Murphy over the phone this afternoon, a day after verbally committing to the Huskies. “At a young age I always wanted to go D1. I worked my whole life for this. The second I put a helmet on I knew this was what I wanted to do.”
Choosing UCONN was easy for him.
“When I visited, I loved the campus. Meeting Coach Diaco and Coach Reardon and the rest of the guys, they were just awesome. Coach Diaco left a really good impression on me when I met him and I knew he really is a standup guy.”
Co-special teams’ coordinator and cornerbacks coach Josh Reardon was the main recruiter and one of the reasons UCONN stood out above the rest.
“He was a straight shooter. He gave me all the information about the recruiting process and I trusted in him as a recruiter. He was just really good for me. What stood out about UCONN is they backed up their words with actions.”
Murphy, who received an offer from the Huskies right after junior day in April, has chosen UCONN over Cincinnati, Navy, Army, Middle Tennessee State, Western Michigan, Wagner, Monmouth and Holy Cross.
The Naval Academy and West Point being hot after Murphy tells you something about the kids’ character.
“It’s absolutely a testament to how I was raised. My family couldn’t have been any better; my dad, my mom and my brother. My parents instilled in us strong-will, fortitude, courage and a never-ending work ethic. This is a testament to my whole life of working hard, doing the best I could do at all times. I stayed away from the parties and that type of stuff in high school. You wouldn’t find me there, I’d be in the weight room instead.”
With a number of other schools picking up steam on the recruiting trail, including Boston College, Syracuse, Maryland, Nebraska and Rutgers, he decided to lock in on UCONN. How’s THIS reason to show his maturity?
“Definitely a big decision for me was getting this done and out of the way to be able to focus on my team and our senior year,” Murphy said. “We have a goal to get into the playoffs this season after going 6-5 and missing out last year. I want to be able to focus 100% on that goal for my guys.”
The 6’ 3” 275-pound Murphy comes from an athletic family as his father played collegiate baseball at Arkansas before playing in the majors with the Astros and Angels. His brother also played college ball. Despite the athletic gifts passed on to Kevin from his family, he stressed he could not be where he is today without their backing and support.
“Every day of my life they are pushing to make me a better person and a better athlete. They are always there to talk to if I need help and the support they have given myself and my brother is unbelievable. My dad has never missed a game in my life, he comes to practices as well. He could be dying and he would be at our games, no matter what.”
The junior is the first Division 1 commit out of West Chester East since Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub committed to Virginia in 1999.
“To be mentioned with names like that, I’m just so blessed and thankful that God has given me this opportunity.”
Kevin also went out of his way to thank his teammates and coaches as he indicated they played a big part in helping him accomplish his goal.
“I couldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for my team. I love my team so much and the desire I have to win, is the desire to make our team better as a whole. Current head coach Dave Gueriera was really big in my recruiting as was Coach Dan Ellis when he was here [Ellis resigned in January]. They are just two really good guys.”
Asked for what he will bring to the table, as well as one thing he needs to improve upon most, Murphy’s response sounded like it came from a 10-year NFL vet.
“Improve upon everything,” he insisted. “This is a new beginning for me and I can never settle. Once you become content, it’s the beginning of your demise.”
“The best part of my game are my hands, my feet, my desire and my love for the game,” he added. “I’m going to always outwork the guy across from me regardless of how good they are or who they. I’m a junk yard dog and I guess you can now say I’m a junk yard Husky.”
Wait a second, analogies and go-to sayings, is this a spitting image of Coach Diaco himself?
“That was a big reason for me to come here,” Murphy responded. “Coach Diaco and I connected really well.”
Playing in Class AAAA in Pennsylvania, Murphy got a chance to go against some of the best talent high school football has to offer.
“Definitely will play a huge part in helping me at UCONN,” he said. “I’m going against the top players in PA as this league is one of the best leagues in the entire state. I’m not going against some Joe Schmo. Every week I’m going against the best kids and that helps make me the best I can be. Every week I need to not only use my head, but my heart as well.”
The current Viking is well aware of the Huskies struggles a year ago, but with a downturn comes an opportunity, “We are going to turn things around,” he said with utter confidence. “I was part of a team that did it here and we will do the same up there. That stadium is going to be packed night in and night out.”
Murphy wanted to add one thing before it was over.
“I can’t thank my family, my friends or my teammates enough. Whatever I can do to give back what they’ve given me, I will.”
The bar has been set. With a long way to go in filling out his first full recruiting class, Coach D will have to work long and hard to find someone to top THAT.
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