August 28, 2007
Recruiting spotlight: Ryan Murray
Temple football coach Al Golden literally made a big splash on the recruiting scene when he landed a verbal commitment from 6-foot-6, 333-pound offensive tackle Ryan Murray, a local product from Philadelphia's Edward Bok Technical School.But for as imposing as Murray is on the football field, he wants to make just as much of an impact in the classroom.
In other words, he gives equal weight to both parts of his role as a student-athlete.
"I know I've got to stay on top of things," Murray said. "I'm a student before I'm a football player, and that's really important to me."
When Murray visited Temple, the university's academics impressed him, and so did the people involved with a football program that is perceived to be on the rise.
"Temple has a lot to offer me," Murray said. "I really liked the facilities, the coaching staff, and the future that awaits me here. Being close to my family and being able to have them at all of my games was a big factor for me."
Per NCAA rules, Murray cannot sign an official national letter of intent until February. He said he received recruiting interest from Maryland and Pittsburgh, but he chose to conclude his recruitment early and stay close to home.
Murray said he's become a solid trap blocker, but he knows he has one more season of high school football to refine his game before he gets to North Broad Street.
"I'm going to take this season to work on my speed," Murray said. "The next level is a much faster game at a faster pace."
Murray, who said he is leaning toward majoring in engineering or business, should be prepared for the rigors of athletic and academic life in college, at least when it comes to getting up early to start his day. In order to get from his home in Northeast Philadelphia to Bok's campus in South Philadelphia, he has to take four SEPTA buses to make it to school on time.
"I think waking up early and taking the bus to school gives me an advantage for the early morning routines of a college athlete," Murray said.
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