100 Days to Football Time in Oklahoma: #9 Kenneth Murray By: Ryan Lewis Posted on: August 23, 2018

Image via The Athletic, stats via SoonerSports.com

The Path to Norman

Kenneth Murray, a Texas product, was offered by Oklahoma back in May, 2016. At the time, he called the Sooners a “childhood favorite.” His first visit to Norman was for the BBQ that summer, and he really enjoyed it. Just a week later, Sooner fans got good news.

Murray called OU a “perfect fit for me, football wise, school wise… all of it.” Murray never wavered after that, only visiting the Sooners that fall.

Career So Far

There was a buzz surrounding Kenneth Murray the second he enrolled early. Words like “freak athlete” and “athletic” were thrown around with high frequency. The coaching staff had appeared to be keeping an open mind over whether he would play inside or outside linebacker throughout Murray’s recruitment; due to need and a desire to get the best players on the field, they ended up putting him inside. Despite a learning curve, they knew he could be used there.

The season opener marked the first time an OU true freshman had started at middle linebacker in over forty years. Not only did that provide Murray a chance to shine, it also sent a message to all recruits; the OU staff is going to play the best players they can get on the field, regardless of age. The Ohio State game was a chance for Murray to show what he could do and he didn’t disappoint; he was constantly harassing Buckeyes in the backfield. Despite some freshman mistakes, #9 had a great season, earning himself a host of honors. Among those were co-Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year, All-Big 12 Honorable mention, FWAA freshman All-American, and USA Today freshman All-American.

Current Profile

Position: Linebacker

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 236

Year: Sophomore

Stats

Highlights

2018 Season

There was speculation for some time that Murray would shift to the Will linebacker spot this year, but it appears he will be staying at the Mike spot instead and Caleb Kelly will take that spot. It has already been evident that the leader characteristics that many saw in him last year are blooming; his availability at Big 12 Media Days showed that quality. 2018 will be an opportunity for Murray to be a leader on a defense that looks to make a statement this year.