Longhorns DL Byron Murphy II Named To The Athletic's 'Freak List'
Byron Murphy II is the epitome of speed and power for an interior defensive lineman.
Despite weighing north of 300 pounds, Murphy's ability to wreak havoc for opposing offensive linemen is what landed the Texas Longhorn at No. 18 on The Athletic's Bruce Feldman's "Freaks List" — a comprehensive analysis of the top 101 college football players with otherworldly athletic abilities.
"The Longhorns have gotten a lot better in the trenches on Steve Sarkisian’s watch, and the 6-1, 308-pounder is a good example why," Feldman wrote. "The junior, who had 26 tackles and three TFLs last year, has been clocked at 18 MPH on the GPS, had a team-best 455-pound front squat, and power-cleaned 375 pounds. He could’ve gone heavier, but strength coach Torre Becton shut him down. Becton says Murphy could’ve gotten 500 on the front squat and 405 in the power clean."
Murphy believes he's the strongest player on the Longhorns.
"Squat, bench, I think it's me," Murphy said Aug. 3. "I just go in there and lift. Lift until I can't no more."
The DeSoto, Texas, native is expected to be one of the best returning defensive linemen in the country. The rest of the Big 12 has taken notice of Murphy's talent and potential, as he was named a preseason all-conference honoree July 5.
Murphy said he hasn't set statistical goals for himself yet, but he's "trying to be the best player" he can be.
You can follow Casey Smith on Twitter @casey_smith2419
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