Interview: 2019 LB Carter Murray is Stepping Up for Bentonville West in 5 Game Winning Streak

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Luck in life, and especially in sports, is when hard work meets opportunity. And, lucky for Bentonville West that Class of 2019 linebacker Carter Murray has been a lunch pale worker throughout his high school career. The 6-1, 220-pound, linebacker has stepped up to the call for the Wolverines helping turn an 0-3 start into a 5-3 season with a ton of momentum heading into Arkansas’ 7A playoffs helping bring recruiting attention his way in the process.

Bentonville West opened the 2018 season with a difficult schedule taking on Owasso (OK), Fort Smith Southside, and Bryant. The 0-3 start was almost extended to an 0-4 record but the team dug deep for a 31-28 win over area rival Fayetteville High School. The showdown against the Bulldogs was also when Murray got the call to be a full-time linebacker for the Wolverines. Over the last five games, Murray has pushed his stat line to 29 assisted tackles, 24 solo, for 49 total stops, two tackles for a loss, and a forced fumble.

The opportunity to shine is bringing college recruiting attention to the Wolverines yard for Murray. Over the weekend, in-state power Arkansas brought Murray to campus for an unofficial visit with a growing list of FCS programs showing interest. The Wolverines are undefeated in the 7A West Conference with league games left against Van Buren and Bentonville before opportunities for more statement games in the playoffs. All the extra games are sure to fill in a game reel that will bring more interest as we near closer to National Signing Day.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Murray covering his senior season and his unofficial visit with the Hogs.

Interview

Carter, the Wolverines stumbled out of the gate dropping the first three but have reeled off five consecutive wins. What has changed allowing you guys to climb back into the thick of the top 7A teams in Arkansas?

“We’ve been working as hard as we can. We knew early on that we were going through a rough patch. We finally came to our senses and started working harder and working together better.”

The defense is really turning it on, especially over the last couple of games pitching shutouts against Har-Ber and Rogers Heritage. What are the strengths of the Wolverines defense this season?

“We are really good up front and our pass protection is good too.”

The schedule for you guys has not been easy, which game this season was the most challenging for you?

“For me, it was the Fayetteville game.”

How did that challenge help make you a better player?

“That was my first game stepping up. I had played special teams and was a backup linebacker for the first three games of the season. Then, one of our starting linebackers was hurt, so I had to step up. It was one of those games where it all happened so fast.”

Which game has been your best this season?

“My best game was the Rogers. I felt really comfortable with my reads. I had 11 tackles in that game. Everything flowed for me in that game. That was my first game where I was in the flow of the game and in our defense. I was relaxed and comfortable.”

Watching your reel, you have a nose for the ball and stop the play on contact. What are some of the other strengths to your overall game?

“I don’t miss tackles. I have found, that when I am under pressure things have gotten easier. I think I have had one missed tackle this season. I am really good against the run and at reading my keys. I am good at reading my pass keys as well and I am getting at getting back into coverage faster.”

You guys get Van Buren next (3-5), what are you expecting from their offense on Friday?

“It will be an emotional game, their head coach was our offensive coordinator last season. There will be a lot of emotion in that game.”

Turning to recruiting, which schools are showing interest in you?

“I am receiving interest from McPherson in Kansas, Culver Stockton in Missouri, Dordt College in Iowa, Iowa Wesleyan, Southwest Baptist, Westminster, and Arkansas.”

Have you taken any unofficial visits?

“Yes, sir. I was going to go to McPherson but Arkansas came up so I took that visit yesterday.”

How did the Arkansas visit go?

“It was awesome. We showed up and they feed us. Then we got to meet some of the other recruits, talked to the coaches, and went outside to watch their warmups. After that, we got lunch and watched the game.”

What all did you do and see?

“We toured their facilities; they are very nice.”

Lasting impression of the visit?

“Arkansas has always been a dream college, I grew up watching them. I loved the hospitality there.”

Do you have any upcoming visits planned?

“Yes, sir. I am going to McPherson in two weeks, Rhodes College, and Southwest Baptist.”

Carter, I appreciate your time today and good luck with the rest of the regular season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Murray family and Bentonville West HS