Big Red Louie
Fansided

If Louisville football targets graduate transfers, who might they be?

By Jacob Lane

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 17: Kyle Penniston #49 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown while being guarded by Bobby Baker #2 of the Georgia State Panthers in the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 17: Kyle Penniston #49 of the Wisconsin Badgers scores a touchdown while being guarded by Bobby Baker #2 of the Georgia State Panthers in the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on September 17, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 01: Josh Rosen #3 drops to pass as Nate Starks #23 of the UCLA Bruins and Scott Quessenberry #52 of the UCLA Bruins block during the first half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA – OCTOBER 01: Josh Rosen #3 drops to pass as Nate Starks #23 of the UCLA Bruins and Scott Quessenberry #52 of the UCLA Bruins block during the first half of a game against the Arizona Wildcats at the Rose Bowl on October 1, 2016 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Justin Murphy – OT

Former school: UCLA

Career stats: 12 starts

The last member of our graduate-transfer list is former UCLA offensive lineman Justin Murphy, who like Isaiah Hayes, has dealt with a plethora of injuries during his time as a collegiate athlete. In fact, if you’re looking for a player who could compare to Murphy, it would be former Louisville basketball big man Akoy Agau.

Murphy started his career at Texas Tech, where he started 12 career games along the offensive line at both the tackle and guard positions and played a big role in helping the Red Raiders become the nation’s leader in passing offense and total offense and finish third in the country in third-down conversion percentage behind Pat Mahomes.

Unfortunately for Murphy, he’s had two season-ending knee injuries already in his career which led to multiple surgeries and even forced Murphy into early retirement before deciding to come back and transfer for one final season.

In his one season as a graduate-transfer at UCLA, Murphy once again struggled to stay healthy and was forced out due to more knee problems. That led to the NCAA giving the 6’6, 290-pound lineman the sixth season of eligibility, which he has since announced he’d use at another school (see the Akoy Agau comparison now?)

Why would Louisville pursue a transfer who has an injury history like Murphy’s? Well one, it’s unlikely that Murphy would pursue another season if he didn’t feel like he had something left to give, which is a bit of encouragement.

With several years of experience, Murphy would be able to provide leadership to the offensive line, especially the three incoming freshmen, as well as much needed depth at both the guard and tackle spots.

If Louisville is interested in pursuing a graduate-transfer offensive line, something I would imagine they’ll do especially after Scott Satterfield’s comments about the offense line needing more bodies, Murphy might not be the best option due to his injury history. But seeing as how the portal doesn’t have much left, Murphy offers veteran leadership and talent to a group that desperately needs both.

Pros: Experienced veteran who thrives in a unique offense that can provide depth and leadership

Cons: Major injury history

Next. Who will be Louisville football’s next NFL Draft selections?. dark

Home/Louisville Football