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Tuesday, December 23, 2008
UGA-bound QB Aaron Murray reaches ‘rock-star’ status after championship performance
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Quarterback Aaron Murray of Tampa is Georgia’s most celebrated football recruit in years.
Murray is ranked as one of the nation’s top college prospects for 2009, picking the Bulldogs over 53 scholarship offers.
But Murray earned rock-star status after his gutsy performance as a high school senior, making an improbable early return from a broken left leg to lead Plant High to Florida’s Class AAAA championship on Saturday.
If Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford makes an early exit to the NFL, Murray will be one of the top contenders for playing time for next season. Here are five things to know about Murray:
1. No time for pain
Murray broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle on Oct. 16. Doctors expected Murray to be out for 3-4 months, but Murray was taking snaps again after seven weeks.
He returned in time for the Florida state semifinals, throwing for a touchdown on his first pass. He solidified his status as one of Florida’s all-time greats in Saturday’s championship game, passing for 344 yards and three touchdowns in the 34-14 victory against Lincoln.
“When I really think about the last two months, it’s pretty crazy,” Murray said on Monday. “I said from the beginning that I wanted to be back by the state playoffs, but I didn’t really know if I’d be able to pull it off. I have to credit my doctors and trainers, who really pushed me hard. God really blessed me. After all of this, it just makes me think all things are possible.”
2. Georgia had Murray’s back
Some Georgia supporters were concerned that Murray pushed too hard for the early return, possibly leaving himself open to another injury. But Georgia coach Mark Richt called Murray last week to endorse his decision to play. Richt said he would do the same thing.
Georgia assistants Willie Martinez and Mike Bobo watched Saturday’s game at Orlando, and Richt called Murray afterward.
“He just wanted to let me know how proud he was of me,” Murray said. “It really meant a lot coming from [Richt].”
3. He might skip the Army all-star game
Murray had no hesitation about rejoining his high school teammates to chase the championship, but he is having second thoughts about participating in the U.S. Army all-star game on Jan. 3.
“My leg feels fine; there’s not much pain at all … only a little bit of swelling, but that’s going to happen for a while,” Murray said. “I talked to my family, friends, high school and Georgia coaches, and we all felt like the state championship was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“We’re not so sure about the all-star game. Don’t get me wrong —- it is a big honor to be picked for it. We’re just not sure playing in it is more important than preparing for Georgia’s spring practices.
“I’d say my leg is at about 80 percent, and unless I feel about 90 percent or better before I have to report next week for practice, I likely won’t play.”
4. There will be no official visit to UGA
Murray will not make an official visit to Athens. He initially was scheduled to take the recruiting trip for the Vanderbilt game but broke his leg two days before it. The following two months, Murray didn’t travel because he wanted to spend just about every waking moment going through rehabilitation, holding on to faint hopes of playing again as a senior.
Why can’t Murray visit in January? He already will be enrolled early.
“It’s really no big deal,” he said. “I’ve already been to Georgia so many times. I’ll probably hang out with some of the other kids making official visits in January, so that will just about be the same thing.”
5. He would like a teammate to follow
Murray is asked this question often these days: Are you bringing your tight end with you to Georgia?
Murray’s heralded Plant teammate, Orson Charles, is ranked among the country’s top prospects. Charles favors Miami but is also considering Georgia, Florida and Florida State.
Charles transferred to Plant before his senior year and became fast friends with Murray. Charles broke the county record with 21 touchdown catches in one season, and more important, was part of a championship team.
“I talk to Orson just about every day about Georgia,” Murray said. “He knows I would love to continue the special connection we have together in college. I’m hoping he’ll come with me, but I know he’ll make whatever decision is best for him, and I’ll support him.”
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Will M.L. King’s Joel Kight take Georgia Tech’s scholarship offer before it’s gone?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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Georgia Tech’s scholarship offer to M.L. King tailback/safety Joel Kight is apparently “time sensitive.”
The 5-foot-9, 200-pound Kight has narrowed his choices to the Jackets, Boston College, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss.
Following Kight’s official visit to Tech this weekend, the Jackets made it clear on Monday that they’re interested in a quick decision. Kight was offered by Tech two weeks ago.
“Joel said he had a good time and likes Georgia Tech, but he still wants to go on his visit to Ole Miss,” M.L. King coach Corey Jarvis said.
“[Tech assistant] coach Brian Jean-Mary called me today and said the offer might not be there. They want Joel to make a decision now.”
If Kight does not commit soon, Tech appears to be prepared to give the offer to tailback Luke Swift of Cedar Grove, Ind.
A scholarship became available earlier this month when Carver tailback Demond Dennis switched his commitment from Tech to Troy.
Kight is scheduled to visit Ole Miss in mid-January.
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M.L. King junior RB gets scholarship offer No. 6
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
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M.L. King’s Mack Brown, who is considered one of the nation’s top tailbacks for 2010, received an offer from West Virginia.
Brown said Mountaineers assistant coach Lonnie Galloway contacted him to offer him a scholarship. He currently has offers from Georgia Tech, Duke, Oregon, Louisville and Arkansas.
Brown plans to attend junior day at Florida on Jan. 23 and Tech on Jan. 31.
He finished the 2008 season with nearly 1,700 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns.
Got a recruiting item? Please send an email to pgiltman@ajc.com
What are the day’s biggest recruiting stories? Do you wish to join the recruiting debate about any prospect or college? Click here to go to the AJC’s Recruiting Central
Take me directly to all the UGA recruiting stories
Take me directly to all the Georgia Tech recruiting stories
Note: Any inappropriate comments will not be tolerated, along with offensive “screen names.” Your posts are identified by the AJC with logging your IP address, not your screen name or email address. We encourage your comments and opinions, and only request that you use good judgement.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Tech
