WEST POINT — West Point High School rising junior Marcus Murphy went from an unknown to one of the state’s top quarterback prospects last season.
During his sophomore season, Murphy competed for the starting job and won the respect of the team’s upperclassmen. Along the way, Murphy ran for 1,615 yards, threw for 770, and scored 25 touchdowns.
With the Green Wave putting finishing touches on spring practice, Murphy has been solidifying his hold as the team leader. However, he is doing it on the sidelines.
A hamstring injury will keep Murphy on the sideline Thursday for the West Point High football team’s spring game against Meridian at 6 p.m. at Hamblin Stadium.
“Even though I won’t be playing, I am really excited about watching the team play,” Murphy said. “We have some other guys being held out as well, so I am looking forward to seeing what some other guys do during adversity. Practice has gone well and everybody is excited. I am looking forward to seeing it all come together Thursday night.”
Rising senior Demario Edwards should get the nod at quarterback. Edwards served as Murphy’s backup a season ago. Both provide speed and gave the West Point offensive staff a chance to use each in a number of formations.
Rising junior Chris Calvert also returns after running for 1,490 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, when West Point finished 11-3 — its highest win total in three seasons. For a second-straight season, West Point lost to region rival Oxford in the regular season and the postseason. With Oxford losing 18 starters, the door is open for West Point to enter the season as a favorite in Class 5A.
“Everything has been smooth on offense since we have almost everybody back,” Murphy said. “We can work on some more advanced things, and we already have a high comfort level with one another. Offensively, we played well once we started clicking, so already there is a lot of enthusiasm there, and that can be seen during spring practice.
“It will carry over to the weight room and pretty much everything that we do. Last season was important because it showed West Point was back to winning, and now we want to build on that and play for championships.”
For Murphy, the emphasis has been on growing the passing game. He also embraced the opportunity to be a leader.
“With the seniors gone, my leadership is going to be really important this season,” Murphy said. “Last year, I led with my actions. This year, I am trying to learn how to be more of a vocal leader. It’s my job to make sure we are lined up on offense and doing the right things. It is also my job to make sure practice is where it needs to be every day.
“Even though I have been limited in (spring practice), I have been focusing on my leadership because I know how important that is going to be.”
West Point returns some experience on the offensive line. However, replacing All-State performer Scott Lashley, who signed with Alabama, will be a challenge.
The Green Wave will start looking for answers there Thursday night. On defense, most starters were lost. However, West Point always has been among the best in the state on that side of the ball.
“We have a lot of talented players,” Murphy said. “The guys are hungry. We grew up a lot last year. We were really learning how to win big games again. I think that will help us this season. We start the year way ahead of where we were a year ago at this time.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
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