Kyle Murphy (American football)

Kyle Neil Murphy (born December 11, 1993) is an American football offensive tackle for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Stanford University on a scholarship. At Stanford, he was a four-year starter primarily at offensive tackle for the Cardinal where he was named to multiple first-team and second-team All-Pac-12 teams. He was drafted after his senior year of college by the Green Bay Packers in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Early years

Murphy was born in Mission Viejo, California to Gary and Keri and attended San Clemente High School.^[1] While attending high school he lettered in not only football, but track and field where he was a shot put champion.^[1] While in high School he played in the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and was also awarded the U.S. Army's Glenn Davis Award, awarded to those who represent the Army's "high standard of excellence in community service, education, and athletic distinction."^[1][2] He was named to two All-Orange County teams and as a senior was named the South Coast Conference MVP.^[1]

Murphy was ranked as a five star offensive tackle prospect by Rivals.com and a four star prospect by ESPN.com, ranked 27th overall in the country in the ESPN top 150.^[3][4] As such, he was highly recruited coming out of high school. He received scholarship offers from a large amount of division one schools including Stanford, Alabama, Arizona, Arizona State, Auburn, and California.^[4] He accepted visits from Stanford, Oregon, Florida, and USC.^[3]

College career

Murphy ultimately decided to play for the Stanford Cardinal. In his first year, he was one of three freshman lineman to play, starting in two games and playing in 14. He wore two jersey numbers, 78 when on the line of scrimmage and 94 when he was an eligible receiver. He averaged 25 snaps per game at tight end and offensive tackle.^[1]

In his sophomore year, Murphy played in 13 games as offensive tackle and tight end.^[1]

Murphy started all 13 games as right tackle in his junior year, where he was named to the All-Pac-12 second team, as well as Phil Steel's All-Pac-12 second team.^[5][6] Stanford's offensive line ranked 18th in the country in tackles for loss allowed and 42nd in sacks.^[1]

In his final year with the Cardinal, he started all 14 games at left tackle and was named a team captain. His play earned him a spot on the watchlists for the Rotary Lombardi Award and the Outland Trophy.^[1] He finished the year by being named as a third team All-American by Phil Steele, and to a spot on the All-Pac-12 first team.^[1]

Professional career

Murphy was projected as a fifth or sixth round pick by Lance Zierlein of NFL.com. He stated that he had a good feel for his position and was aware in pass protection.^[7] He also mentioned that he had good pad level against the running back and did a good job of securing blocks. However he also said that he had average quickness and that speed rushers gave him an issue. Additionally, there was concern that he was "antsy" before the snap and that game tape showed him starting early. Even though it was not called by college officials, this would create false start penalties at the professional level.^[7]

He was drafted in the sixth round (200th overall) by the Green Bay Packers.^[8] Green Bay had drafted his long-time teammate Blake Martinez earlier in the draft. Blake later commented that after Murphy was drafted that he and his family "were going crazy at my house. It was awesome."^[9] Murphy later commented that getting a call from the Packers was "extraordinary."^[10] Murphy also noted that he was ready to play wherever the team asked him.^[9] On May 6, 2016, he signed a contract with the Packers.^[11]

Personal life

Murphy is the younger brother of Minnesota Vikings offensive tackle Kevin Murphy.^[10]

References

External links

• Stanford Cardinal Bio
• Green Bay Packers Bio