Everyone's Still Waiting for Murao to Move Up UW Depth Chart

The much-decorated offensive guard has had to deal with bad knees, ample competition.

Myles Murao made it through three University of Washington spring football practices without any issues before everyone took a break.

This was significant because the 6-foot-3, 299-pound sophomore offensive guard from Torrance, California, was notably absent for long stretches during spring ball in 2021 and 2022, unable to finish the first one.

While the UW football staff typically doesn't delve into injury specifics, Murao couldn't disguise the fact he's been set back by chronic knee problems in Montlake, possibly to both hinges, and wearing heavy braces.

Entering his fourth year in Montlake, he remains one of the Huskies' most highly regarded recruits of the past half-dozen seasons, yet he recently ran mostly with the third-unit offense two weeks ago during the scrimmage portions of the opening practices.

At least it's a start, but he's still a long way from what was once envisioned for him.

Murao emerged from Southern California powerhouse Mater Dei as a four-year letterman and a member of two state open championship teams.

As a high school senior, he was singled out as the nation's 72nd best recruit, California's No. 8 player overall and the state's top offensive guard.

Husky fans were so exuberant about his signing — after he held offers from Alabama, LSU, Michigan, USC and many others — some even suggested or wished out loud that Murao would start right away as a freshman, replacing NFL-bound Nick Harris.

Yet Murao missed most of Jimmy Lake's 2021 spring practice and a good portion of Kalen DeBoer's spring workouts a year ago.

Instead, he didn't play in a game over his first two Husky seasons. Finally last fall, he was sent on the field to take his first college snaps against Kent State, Portland State, Stanford and Colorado.

As the Huskies pushed through those three practices earlier this month, juniors Nate Kalepo and Julius Buelow were the starting offensive guards.

Fellow sophomores Geirean Hatchett and Gaard Memmelaar ran with the twos.

Murao, listed at more than 20 pounds lighter than his peak weight as a college player, spent most of the time bouncing between the UW's No. 2 and 3 offenses, teaming up with sophomore Owen Prentice at guard. 

While it's unclear whether he'll ever be able to overcome those gimpy knees and reclaim the football acclaim that was once his, Murao seems enthusiastic enough as he runs into blocking sleds and teammates, looking for a depth-chart opening.

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