100 Days to Football Time in Oklahoma: #9 Kenneth Murray By: Ryan Lewis Posted on: August 23, 2019

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 2017 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.

In 2018, Murray continued to build upon his previous season, almost exactly doubling his tackles from 2017. He was named an All-Big 12 second team member after recording the most tackles by a Sooner since 2007. His 28 tackles against Army were the most in the FBS since at least 2000 and were second most in OU history. 

Current Profile

Position: Linebacker 

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 243

Year: Junior

Stats

Stats via Soonersports.com

Highlights

2019 Season

2019 is the season for Murray to have an All-Big 12 first team year and be the true leader of this defense. Kenneth looks set to reprise his MIKE linebacker spot, with Bryan Mead and Levi Draper backing him up. With DC Alex Grinch looking to change the perception of this OU defense, Murray can be a major piece of the puzzle and use his natural athleticism to become a force to be reckoned with.