DeMarco Murray

Murray was the top-ten national running back prospect out of Las Vegas by multiple recruiting services after racking up almost 2,000 yards and 27 touchdowns rushing as a senior. Though he did not match that number in Norman due to injuries and the Sooners' depth at running back, his all-around game is intriguing to scouts. His abilities as a slashing runner, receiver, kickoff returner, and even taking snaps in the Wildcat formation, are apprecaited by NFL teams. The highly-touted back redshirted 2006 with Adrian Peterson and Allen Patrick running the ball for the Sooners. He took advantage of playing time the following year, garnering honorable mention All-Big 12 honors from the AP and league coaches after averaging six yards a rush (127 carries for 764 yards) and scoring 13 times - in addition to receiving two touchdown passes and averaging 29.4 yards a kickoff return. He came back to earn first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2008 (1,002 rushing yards, 14 scores, 31-395-4 receiving, 27.6 kickoff return average). And though his rushing production dipped a bit as a junior (705 yards, 4.1 yards per rush, eight scores, five starts in 12 games) due to injuries and an inexperienced quarterback/offensive line, Murray made enough hay as a receiver (41-544-4) that coaches still voted him second-team All-Big 12. Murray had his best statistical rushing year in 2010, covering 1,214 yards and scoring 15 times for the Sooners (along with 71-544-5 receiving and 10-249 returning kicks) as a first-team All-Big 12 pick, but he was not often explosive enough for scouts to consider him an elite prospect. Add in his frequent injuries and a deep running back class, and Murray may find it difficult to crack the top 50.

inside

North-south runner who runs tough between the tackles despite his reputation as a speed back. One-cut back who can plant and drive, get to top speed quickly in the open field. Shows some patience to find holes inside but also presses the line to prevent getting caught up in the backfield. Runs a bit upright because of his height, but will fall forward for extra yardage. Agile enough to jump over defenders on the ground after busting through a hole. Excellent vertical on goal line leaps. Improved his handle in 2010(one fumbles, none lost; 9-3 from 2007-2009). His vision is questionable, though, seemed to run with his head down too often as a senior.

outside

If allowed to get outside, Murray makes defenses pay with hard-nosed running and a breakaway gear. Waves through defenders in space with strong cuts. Maintains his lean and keeps his legs churning when breaking outside, allowing him to run over smaller linebackers and defensive backs. Effective stiff arm against chasing safeties. Gets loose with the ball in the open, carries it low instead of high and tight. Inconsistent changing to the outside hand. Best as a slasher, finds it difficult to get the corner against better defenses.

intangibles

Vocal, respected player in the locker room; no major issues with his character. Durability is a major concern, however. Worked through a turf toe injury in his redshirt season, lost the final three games if 2007 after dislocating his right kneecap the end of his freshman campaign while recovering an onside kick, missed the second half of the 2008 Big 12 Championship Game and the BCS title contest after partially rupturing his left hamstring, sat two games and was limited in others with a sprained left ankle in 2009. Had bruised ribs in 2010, but did not miss a game.

breaking tackles

Does not have elite elusiveness as a runner and gives defenders a big strike zone due to his height, but can make a quick cut or a shake move in space to freeze would-be tacklers. Also sets up tacklers with a step or two in one direction then a hard move the other way. Can jump cut to go against the grain. Quickness to the hole, good vision, ability to break through arm tackles, and straight-line speed make him a strong candidate to return kicks at the next level. Looked a bit tentative running in traffic in 2010, needs to return to former form.

receiving

Dangerous receiver in the flat and over the middle with his combination of strong running and speed. Good cuts on short out routes and gives his quarterback a target on middle screens. Lines up in the slot at times to take advantage of linebacker match-ups. Uses a stiff arms or lowers his shoulder to get extra yardage after the catch instead of going out of bounds. Maintains his balance and keeps his legs moving through arm tackles in space. Good vision after the catch, follows blocks downfield and makes cuts to freeze and run by defenders. Inconsistent hands; typically brings in accurate throws in the flat with his hands, but occasionally traps the ball against his body over the middle or misses the easy catch hearing footsteps or trying to make a move before securing the ball.

blocking

A potential three-down back because he does not shy away from contact in pass protection. Stands up to much bigger linemen inside to keep his quarterback clean. Aggressive cut blocker who will stop linebackers off the edge but also whiff when dropping his head and leaving his feet. Also doubles defensive ends off the edge effectively, extending his arms and moving his feet to mirror. Must be more aware of blitzing linebackers and not get stuck looking at one side of the line, however, as he leaves his quarterback vulnerable to secondary rushes.

2007: Suffered a dislocated knee cap in game Nov. 11 at Texas Tech, then missed the remainder of the season and the subsequent spring workouts.

Named 2005 Sunset Region Offensive Player of the Year

Earned all-state honors in 2005 and was an all-conference pick three consecutive years

Rushed for 1,947 yards and 27 touchdowns his senior year

Also caught 22 passes for 624 yards and 7 touchdowns

Had 64 tackles, 3 sacks and 2 interceptions on defense

Played in the U.S. Army High School All-American game

Also led Bishop Gorman basketball team to a 2005 state championship

Was a top-30 basketball recruit as well

Coached by David White.

Bench presses 265 and squats 465 pounds

Has a vertical jump of 39 inches

Clocked at 4.37 seconds in the 40-yard dash