Possesses a decent first step off the football in the run game, but simply gets too high into contact and doesn't do a great job protecting his frame and gaining ideal hand placement/leverage on contact. Doesn't consistently overwhelm better defenders at the point of attack, has a tendency to get stood up on contact and will then fall off blocks. Showcases good coordination and balance when asked to get out to the second level, but isn't overly rangy and will struggle to reach a moving target too far off his frame.
Impression: Has some lateral quickness and body control to his game, but is more of an offensive guard prospect who needs to learn to play lower to have a chance of making a roster inside. Possesses some upside, but isn't a real athletic or physical lineman in any area of the game."
Positive: Fundamentally sound lineman who gets the most from his ability. Bends his knees, stays square, and quickly gets his hands into defenders. Keeps his feet moving, shows the ability to adjust, and makes outstanding use of blocking angles. Possesses solid footwork in pass protection, knocks defenders from their angle of attack, and works to finish blocks.
Negative: Gets minimal movement run blocking. Shows marginal skill in motion.
Analysis: Murphy is an underrated lineman who plays fundamentally sound football. He must add bulk and strength to his frame but has enough skill to be stashed on a practice squad as a developmental prospect."
2010: Started all 13 games at left tackle...Named Honorable Mention All-Mountain West Conference.
2009: Started all 12 games at left tackle and earned honorable mention All-MWC in his junior campaign ... A preseason Second Team All-MWC selection by Lindy's and Phil Steele's ... Ranked the nation's No. 55 tackle by Phil Steele's.
2008: Named Second Team All-Mountain West Conference by Phil Steele's ... Started all 12 games at left tackle, extending his streak to 21 consecutive starts at the most difficult position on the offensive line ... Allowed only one QB sack.
2007: Played in all 12 games and started the last nine at left tackle ... Averaged 76 plays and three knockdowns per game after taking over the key spot ... Helped leading rusher Frank Summers net 928 yards, the eighth-best single-season total in UNLV history ... Murphy allowed only three sacks in 12 games and graded out at nearly 80 percent for the year ... Named to the prestigious Football Writers of America and AON Insurance Freshman All-American Team, one of only 12 true freshmen on the list ... Earned honorable mention All-MWC.
HIGH SCHOOL: A 2006 graduate of El Toro HS ... Lettered three times and was a team captain as a senior for the Chargers under coach Jake Haley ... A two-way player who lined up at both offensive tackle and nose tackle ... Totaled 56 tackles on defense as a senior ... Earned first team all-league and first team All-CIF honors ... A multi-sport athlete who also lettered in wrestling as well as competing in the shot put and discus in track and field.
PERSONAL: Matthew William Murphy was born on July 27, 1989, in Anaheim, CA ... The son of Laurie and Francis Murphy ... Has an older brother, Patrick, and two younger sisters, Mollie and Emilee ... Majoring in secondary education.
Strengths: Murphy plays with solid technique. Good initial punch to jolt defenders in running game and in pass pro. A position blocker who seals defenders well, walling them off from the ball carrier.
Weaknesses: Below average foot speed and strength. Lacks the quick feet to consistently get on the right track for his blocks. Doesn't have the strength to drive defenders off the ball. Will struggle with quicker pass rushers off the edge and can be knocked off balance in his pass pro set, leaving himself vulnerable to counter moves.
Projection: UDFA."