Interview: 2018 Independence JUCO LB Sidney Murray is Preparing for an All-American Caliber Season

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Throughout the sports world there are a lot of people with the desire, want to, and motivation to be successful. If lucky, some of the hopefuls have the physical gifts coupled with the will to succeed. The last element not always available is the opportunity to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. One Class of 2017 gridiron talent who has all the key attributes needed to be one of the top players among his peer group and in the right place at the right time is Sidney Murray III.

Murray, a former Semper Fidelis All-American, was an automatic qualifier out of high school initially signing with Alcorn State but transferred to Cisco after a release from his letter of intent. Murray had a personally successful season on the field during the 2016 season even though the Wranglers suffered through an 0-9 campaign. Playing outside linebacker along with defensive end and tackle, Murray ended his freshman season with 31 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks.

Once the season ended, and Cisco’s entire staff was released, Murray quickly made his way to Independence College. After playing his freshman season at 6-2.5, 250, the defensive playmaker has increased his strength and speed but has slimmed down to man the middle for Independence now tipping the scales at 235, a position more natural for his God given abilities. Independence is loaded with talent and has a coaching staff ready to help mold his talents into an All-American kind of player.

Beyond being ranked as the No. 6 linebacker in the nation by Gridiron RR, the possibilities of being one of the top linebackers in the junior college ranks is further supported by college scouts. Murray already has nine offers coming in from California, Connecticut, Coastal Carolina, Lamar, Alabama A&M, Alcorn State, Austin Peay, Southern Miss, and Purdue with each believing he is the guy that can make a difference in their linebacker corps. The nine programs to offer early might meet some heavy competition for his services with Alabama, LSU, Houston, Baylor, Texas A&M, TCU, Nebraska, Texas Tech, Washington, Iowa State, and Kansas all showing various levels of interest.

Alabama and LSU will get a first-hand look at Murray in person this summer with the opportunity to not only impress but offer the immediate impact player in person if all things work to plan. In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Murray covering his spring thus far and his booming national recruiting interest.

Interview

Sidney, how has your transfer from Cisco to Independence gone so far?

“The transfer has been really good. I feel like I have a better opportunity here. The coaching staff is about the kids. Nothing against Cisco, but I feel like this is a better fit for me.”

Which positions or positions will you play with Independence in 2017 based off spring practices?

“Right now, I’m not 100 percent sure. I came in as a starting defensive end rotating in at defensive tackle. Towards the end of spring practices, they moved me to linebacker. I’m pretty positive I will be the starting middle linebacker this fall.”

How did spring ball go for you?

“It went really well. I got more aggressive, faster, my hips got better, and my coverage was way better. I am happy with my play this spring. The (college) coaches that came out this spring told me I looked good out there. Spring was a productive time for me.”

What were some of the things you were working on to improve upon before your sophomore season?

“Most definitely my speed and finding the ball faster. My IQ, footwork, and my hips were a focus. I worked a lot on keeping an eye on my man in man-to-man coverage. I feel like I did well on those things.”

Did you max out this spring in the weight room?

“Yes, sir. My bench was 385, my squat was 505, and I got 265 on clean.”

Wow. Your squat max really jumped. Last time we spoke your squat was at 445.

“Thank you. I’ve been working hard in the weight room.”

You eluded to this a minute ago, which schools have come by Independence to see you in practice during spring ball?

“There have been so many – Southern Miss, Coastal Carolina, Texas Tech, Arizona State, Arkansas State, Memphis, Southern Florida, Central Florida, Syracuse, Houston, Mississippi State, and Kansas. That is just a few schools off the top of my head right now.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered you yet?

“Bama and LSU. I know they are interested. One of the Bama coaches wants me to come for an unofficial one day and then a camp the next day. LSU said the same thing. I’m talking to Missouri and East Carolina too.”

How many schools have offered you so far?

“Eight – nine counting Alabama A&M. Alabama A&M is a question mark. They offered me last year so I don’t know if that offer is still there or not.”

On April 8 Cal offered. How did the staff notify you of your offer?

“The offer came from Coach (Jerry) Azzinaro (defensive line coach) and Coach (Marques) Tuiasosopo (recruiting coordinator. My coach sent my information and highlight reel to Cal, then we started talking. There did not seem like too much interest at first but out of nowhere their line coach contacted me. About two weeks later the offer came.”

You were offered on April 9 by Southern Miss. How did they offer you?

“Southern Miss’ defensive line coach (Derek Nicholson) was the coach I signed with at Alcorn State. We have a close relationship. He hit me up on Twitter asking me to call. He said ‘you will always have an offer from me no matter where I go’.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits this spring?

“No, sir.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“I know I am going to UCF (Central Florida) and I am for sure going to Southern Miss, Alabama, and LSU.”

What has you excited about the Alabama visit?

“I am most definitely excited about being around their coaching staff and seeing their campus. Seeing a program that big… I am thankful that they have noticed me. That visit will be fun for me.”

When do you visit Alabama?

“July 15.”

What has you excited about the LSU trip?

“Pretty much the same things. LSU is a dream school of mine. When they hit me up, it was exciting for me. I never really thought I would get an opportunity with them. I’m excited to see another big-time school and their amazing facilities. Seeing a dream school of mine is a dream come true for me.”

When do you visit LSU?

“June 21.”

What has you excited about the UCF visit?

“Just getting out to that area in Florida. I want to see what Florida and UCF may have in store for me. Coach (Ryan) Held (recruiting coordinator) and I go pretty far back. We are always taking.”

What are some of the things you will look for during your visits that will help influence your final decision on where you will commit and sign?

“I want to be comfortable. If I am not comfortable I do not put my whole heart into it. I want a place where I get along with the coaching staff and the players. I also want a place where my position is in need. As a JUCO player, I want to go somewhere I am wanted and needed not a player they are offering because they have a few scholarships left.”

Since you are an automatic qualifier, are any schools seeking to add you to their roster as a 2017 recruit?

“Right now, a coach from Buffalo is trying to get me there as of right now, and Utah.”

What are your thoughts on forgoing your sophomore season at the JUCO level to play D-I ball right away?

“I’m still kind of shaky on it. The thing is, right now I’m at the end of the spring semester. When the semester is over I will only have 18 credit hours. You have to have 24 credits to transfer. I will have to take summer classes to transfer.”

What is your cumulative GPA?

“I’m not sure all together. I had a 2.5 last semester but with three classes this semester I have all A’s.”

Sidney, great talking to you again today. Good luck with all the upcoming camps and visits.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credits: Independence College; No. 48 Sidney Murray