Interview: St. John Bosco OL Joe Murphy sets sights on another national title

Few people get to the top of their passion but for St. John Bosco offensive lineman Joe Murphy he has been to the top and came close to repeating the rare feat again last season. At the conclusion of the 2013 season the Braves were crowned national champs after running the tables to a 16-0 record only truly being tested in the California State Championship Final winning 20-14 against De La Salle, the team’s closest margin of victory all season.

In 2014 St. John Bosco was back at it finishing, for them, a disappointing 12-2. But the record does not tell the entire story. The Braves traveled to eventual 2014 national champs Bishop Gorman losing in Vegas 34-31. The Braves went on a nine game tear whipping some of the top competition in Southern California before losing to the nation’s No. 9 team Centennial 48-41. Bosco still finished ranked in the Top 20, per MaxPreps, as the nation’s No. 19 team at the end of the 2014 season.

Over the last three seasons 6’5”, 318 pound, Joe Murphy has been a key part of the Braves group up front first backing up 4-star USC signee Damien Mama and then emerging as one of the top lineman starting all 14 Bosco games at right tackle in 2014.

Despite losing some top talent like No. 1 ranked pro-style quarterback Josh Rosen (UCLA) and offensive lineman Zach Robertson (Arizona State), now is not the time to feel sorry for St. John Bosco. The Braves are loaded with talent again with up to 10 guys that could sign letters of intent come National Signing Day 2016.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview Joe sat down to go over his junior season, offseason workouts, and preparing for another run at a national championship.

 

Joe, walk us through the mindset of the team heading into the 2014 season after winning a national championship in 2013.

“Our goal was to win the CIF championship, which is something that is a hard thing to do, and go and get that state title playing De La Salle. That would have been great. We still almost contend for a national title.”

What was it like playing Bishop Gorman in Las Vegas?

“That was a great experience, playing on EPSN as a high school kid was great. It was a little nerve racking at first. The game was originally to air on ESPN 3 but then they switched it to ESPN at the last minute. When we came out onto the field the music was playing and the fans were really close to the field but we were calm and composed going into that game.

“In the first half they definitely dominated us on offense and on defense. At halftime, Coach (Jason) Negro gave us a big speech and we came out played really well. I think we scored 21-unawnsered points but still came up short.”

How did the rest of the season go for Bosco?

“At the start of the season we had a big win against St. Louis (63-14). We came out and dominated. We were clicking going into BG (Bishop Gorman). Gorman was a setback. In league we wiped everyone out. We were hyped going into the playoffs. Even in the playoffs we did well against good teams. Against Centennial it worked out for them not for us.”

How do the Braves look for the 2015 season?

“We look a lot like the 2013 team. We have a lot of seniors but then there are a few juniors and sophomores that can contribute. We have a lot of underclassmen ready to play. I think we will do great things.”

Bosco lost some great players like quarterback Josh Rosen and wide receiver Joey Chenoweth on offense, what will be the strength of the Braves team in 2015?

“Our offense and the receiving core will be the strength of our team. We have so many great players and the O-line is seven-eight guys deep. We run a high-tempo fast offense. We can tire guys out in the second half. I’m the leader of the offense line looking to lead my team to victory this year.”

Is Quentin Davis (senior) expected to be the starting quarterback this year?

“He is expected to be the starting QB. He deserves the job and he is amazing.”

What about Sean McGrew and his 1,814 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns? Will he be back as well?

“He is coming back.”

What do you guys need to do to replicate the success the team has had over the past two seasons?

“All we have to do is listen to Coach Negro, he has a perfect plan. Our offensive coordinator, Chad Johnson, has amazing plays. We have to stay disciplined that’s all.”

After backing up Damien Mama as a sophomore, did you know a starting job was waiting for you going into your junior year?

“I knew that I would be a frontrunner for the job. That drove me to work harder in the offseason.”

What are your strengths on the field at tackle?

“My strength is my versatility. I can play right and left tackle, not a lot of people can do that. My pass blocking is one of my strengths. I’m able to get back quickly and get a good punch. When run blocking I’m good at getting to that second level before the defender can react. I can get inside my man and lock out. My size and strength allow me to do that.”

How many pancake blocks did you get last season?

“I don’t know, maybe 35 to 40.”

Will you play left or right tackle next season?

“As an offensive lineman we do not know which positions we will play yet. I just want to lead the line to a title. I want to go out my senior year with a boom.”

What schools are recruiting you right now?

“Arizona State is showing the most interest in me right now sending letters talking with me. Nebraska has started to show more interest.”

What did Arizona State tell you they liked about your skill set?

“They said they liked my style of play. They liked how quick I move for my size.”

When the time comes for choosing a college what will factor into your decision?

“Location, I do not want to travel too far. Outside the west coast I like Florida. Another important thing for me is how good the school is academically, I want my degree to mean something when I am done playing. That is very, very important to me.”

What college camps are you planning on attending if any this summer?

“I’m planning on going to USC, UCLA, San Diego State, Miami, ASU, and Arizona.”

Did you attend any college camps last summer?

“No.”

Are you going to any exposure camps this spring?

“I attended the Rivals camp in Vegas and The Open in LA. Those were the two main camps I attended. More than likely will not attend any others.”

What are you doing in the offseason to prepare for your senior season?

“I’m hitting the weight room hard. That’s the one thing I feel like I need to improve on. Getting stronger will help me tremendously on the field.”

What is your bench and squat max now?

“My bench is at 295 and my squat is 455.”

Are you working with an individual coach to improve your technique?

“I am trying to work with Jackie Slater (Hall of Fame lineman Los Angeles Rams).”

Do you have a favorite pro player that you enjoy watching play the game as an offensive lineman?

“I’m a huge New England Patriots fan, I like watching them play. I always try to look for (San Francisco) 49ers games to see Joe Staley play, he maybe the fastest lineman in the NFL. He has great quickness and speed, and brings power to his blocks.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My O-line coach, Coach Adams, has had the biggest impact on me. I came in as a freshman, playing basketball. No plans to play football. He coached me up as soon as I got there. He saw how good I could be and pulled me up my freshman year to be on varsity.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“The Friday Night Lights, putting on the Nike jersey, hearing the fans, seeing the lights, whipping our opponent, and dominating my opponent.”

 

Wherever Joe ends up, and he will end up on some Division-I squad come National Signing Day, imagine how much fun as a football fan it will be to watch him mature over those next four to five years. He already has a college ready body and is putting the time in the weight room to be ready to compete against players four to five years older from the moment he steps foot on campus.

Another important contribution Joe will bring with him wherever he goes to college is a winning pedigree. Over the last two seasons, and again in 2015, St. John Bosco will have answered the call against the best of the best in one of the top talent grounds in the nation. Joe will have already played and dominated against top level high school competition knowing what it takes to be a champion at the college level.

Whoever lands young Mr. Murphy will be getting a currently under the radar talent that has the potential to grow into a dominating player at the next level.

 

Written by Ryan Wright

Photo credit: maxpreps.com; St. John Bosco takes the field.

Photo credit: maxpreps.com; No. 74 Joe Murphy.