After taking more time to think about it, West Point High School rising senior Marcus Murphy still likes his original decision.
After de-committing from Mississippi State in January, the 6-foot-1, 180-pound four-star athlete by 247, re-committed to Mississippi State on Tuesday afternoon. He made the announcement on his Twitter page.
“I feel like it is the best fit for me,” Murphy said. “They have shown a lot of interest from me in the beginning, and it is chance to stay close to home. I am looking forward to this opportunity and can’t wait to get started.”
Murphy shared The Dispatch’s Large Schools co-Offensive Player of the Year honors with Columbus High senior Kylin Hill in December. Hill is part of MSU’s 2017 signing class and will start classes June 1.
Murphy also was chosen second-team All-State by The Clarion-Ledger and named to the Mississippi Association of Coaches (MAC) Class 5A All-State team after rushing for 1,756 yards and 25 touchdowns for the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State champion Green Wave.
MSU’s 2017 roster also is expected to include former West Point High running back Aeris Williams, who will be a junior. Last season, Williams ran for 731 yards and four touchdowns.
“There are a lot of connections there,” Murphy said. “When I first started playing varsity ball, I was learning everything I could from Aeris. He did things the right way, and I watched the recruiting process with him. It was fun then go through the process myself.”
Murphy originally committed to the Bulldogs at the end of his sophomore year. He backed off of that commitment in January after receiving an offer from Michigan. Southern Mississippi and Tennessee offered the first week he re-opened his recruitment.
Murphy also holds offers from Florida Atlantic, Kentucky, Louisville, Marshall, Memphis, Michigan, Middle Tennessee, Ole Miss, South Alabama, Stanford, Tennessee, and Troy.
247 Sports has him as the nation’s No. 10 athlete in the country and the state’s No. 2 overall prospect.
“He could play every position on the field,” West Point coach Chris Chambless said. “That is what makes him such a sought-after athlete. He is a hard worker, leader, and does a great job of lifting the players around him to play even better. He already has a skill set to play on a very high level.”
In his sophomore season, Murphy alternated with Demarrio Edwards at quarterback. The transfer of Clayton Knight allowed Murphy to shift full-time to running back and wide receiver as a junior. He also excelled as a top kick returner.
Murphy was chosen as the MVP of the Class 5A State championship game after running for 141 yards and three touchdowns in a 28-9 victory against Laurel at MSU’s Davis Wade Stadium. It was West Point’s first state championship since 2010.
In 2016, West Point was the state’s top-ranked team in Class 5A from the preseason through the state championship. With seven starters returning on offense and nine on defense, West Point will be a favorite to win another title in 2017.
“This team is excited about the challenge of trying to repeat,” Murphy said. “We know the hard work it takes to win a championship. I think everybody is going to put that hard work in during the summer because we want to repeat. It will always be one game at a time,but we feel like we have the team (to repeat).”
According to The Clarion-Ledger, Murphy gives the Bulldogs eight commitments for the Class of 2018. Tupelo High linebacker Jett Johnson committed to MSU on Monday.
After the senior season ends, the biggest question will be where will Murphy fit into MSU’s plans. Murphy said the coaches have talked to him about being a slot receiver, a cornerback, or a safety. Murphy has seen limited time at defensive back with the Green Wave.
Murphy plans to apply for early enrollment this month. Early enrollees can sign in December, graduate early, and start their senior college career in January. Going through spring drills would enhance his chance of playing regularly as a freshman.
“The senior season always goes by quickly,” Murphy said. “I wanted to get this decision resolved so I can focus on our team playing well this season. I feel like I can do the best I can at Mississippi State. I can be myself there.”
Follow Dispatch sports writer Scott Walters on Twitter @dispatchscott
Scott was sports editor for The Dispatch.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
