Interview: 2022 Arkansas WR Omari Murdock Taking Talents to Texas’ Allen High School
By Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
The Allen High School football program is one of the most successful programs in the Lonestar State with six state championships since 2006. The Eagles are also known for their amazing facilities including an 18,000 seat stadium, the largest in the state designed for only one school. Every season expectations are high around this program as the Eagles continually reload their squad. One of the new faces this season will junior Omari Murdock, a transfer from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas.
This 6’5”, 200-pound, standout has tremendous route running ability, great hands and footwork. Murdock uses his size and athleticism to grab any ball thrown in his direction. The junior star also has good speed including a 40-yard dash time of 4.7. The Class of 2022 recruit already has one college offer from Illinois State and is also drawing interest from several other big time programs including Arkansas and Northwestern.
Not only does Murdock shine on the gridiron but also in the classroom where he holds a 3.8 GPA.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru, I caught up with Omari to discuss his transfer to Allen, his preparation for his first season in Texas, and get an update on his recruiting process.
Interview
Omari, what are your thoughts on the 2019 season?
“2019 was a good season for me and I feel like it played out how I wanted to, getting experience on varsity for the first time then competing for the starting spot.”
How would you grade your individual performance from last year?
“I would grade my performance a B-plus for it being the first time I was in that big of an atmosphere. I performed well and always stepped up when my number was called.”
What are some of your strengths on the football field?
“Some of my strengths are things like my size, speed, athleticism, and the way I compete to name a few.”
What was your most memorable moment last season?
“My most memorable moment from last season was senior night when we my team fought hard and it came down to a field goal. With all the pressure on our team we made the field goal and that feeling with the team in the locker room was like no other.”
Did you receive any individual honors last year?
“Some individual honors I have revived are ending with a 3.8, winning state for basketball, getting All-Conference honorable mention, and making the Junior Olympics two years in a row for track.”
How did you transfer from Central in Little Rock to Allen High School take place?
“I moved schools from Central to Allen because my step-dad’s job got relocated in Texas and I ended up deciding to go to Allen High.”
What is your practice and workout schedule during the offseason?
“I’ve been working hard in the offseason. I’m usually doing track or football workouts Monday through Saturday with Sunday being my break day trying to get better every day.”
What are you working on the most to improve your game?
“A couple of things I’m working on to improve my game are things like my quickness and my route running. If I get those things down, I feel like I will be a better player overall.”
What is one area of your game that you’ve seen the most improvement in since the start of last season?
“One place that I’ve seen a lot of improvement is the way I attack the ball with the defensive back on me and holding me.”
Have you been able to work out with any of your new teammates?
“I’ve been able to work with the twins (Bryson and Blaine Green) and also my quarterback General Booty and they all have helped me get used to football over here.”
What is your fastest 40-yard dash time?
“My fastest 40 is a 4.7 which I ran last year.”
What do you like most about playing wide receiver and tight end?
“The things I like most about playing inside and outside is that I can use more of my talents and I’m not held back by just playing one position. Out of wide receiver and tight end, I like receiver more but I’ll play either or if I’m needed to.”
Is there a current NFL player that you try to model your game after?
“The NFL players I look up to and try to model myself after are players like DK Metcalf and Julio Jones by the way they use their size and move with it.”
What kind of offense does Allen High School run?
“I haven’t got all the plays yet but the type of offense we run that I’ve seen is a Spread and in duce a lot.”
What areas of your game translate well to the way the Eagles offense is run?
“The areas in my game that translate well to the offense is my route running and my speed.”
Do you have any college offers?
“Illinois State.”
What other schools are showing you interest at this time?
“The other schools that are showing interest in me currently are Arkansas, Arkansas State, Memphis, and Northwestern.”
Who has had the biggest impact on your football career and why?
“The person that has the biggest impact on my football career is my mom. She always pushes me and has always been there for me.”
What is your favorite subject in school and why?
“My favorite subject in school is biology, I’ve just always liked science.”
What is your GPA?
“My GPA is a 3.8.”
What are your goals for your junior season?
“My goal for my junior year is to have a breakout season and win state.”
Do you have a favorite quote or Bible verse?
“My favorite verse from the bible is Philippians 4:13.”
Thank you for your time and good luck this season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: Twitter.com; Allen WR Omari Murdock