Marshall’s urgency made Joe Murray feel wanted
Sometimes fate allows situations to change, and that is exactly how Marshall landed former Bowie State DE Joe Murray.
“Ultimately, I was not looking to transfer this year, but when my head coach at Bowie State left for Morgan State, I started to explore my options,” said Marshall’s most recent transfer commitment, Joe Murray. “The May 1st Transfer Portal deadline had passed, but some of my teammates and I were able to get a transfer exemption since our coach left and that is when Marshall reached out.”
Murray credits the urgency from Marshall’s coaching staff as having a major impact on his decision. “Marshall made me feel wanted from the aspect that they were getting things done quickly. Coach Street and Coach Huff were texting me every other day to make sure that I had things done on my end. After seeing how the team and staff interact with each other, I knew it’s where I wanted to call my new home.”
The quality of Marshall’s defensive line was also a draw for Murray. “I did my homework and watched film on the defensive line. I saw how aggressive they are on the field and how they interact with each other. I’m excited to get to play for such a high caliber defensive unit.”
Murray bonded with Owen Porter and Koby Cumberlander during his time on campus and noted that their interactions also influenced his decision. “Owen and Koby were the guys who showed me around and the way they interacted with each other, and their other teammates was genuine and not staged. In high school, I saw negativity tear my program apart and finding a school that had positive energy was important to me.”
Although he will not know exactly where he will line up for the Herd until he is on campus and working out, Murray expects he will fill a hybrid role at defensive end and outside linebacker. “At Bowie State, the defensive line was the heart of the team, and I am excited that the culture is not changing as I make the move to Marshall.”
Murray had this message for the Marshall faithful, “You are getting an aggressive, strong and fast player who grew up playing high level football. I can’t wait to see Joan C. Edwards Stadium full when we kick-off the 2022 season against Norfolk State. I am excited to be joining a top-level defense and to get to play alongside some of the best of the best.”
The 6’4”, 235-pound redshirt sophomore chose Marshall over interest from Ball State, Towson and Morgan State. During the 2021 season, Murray appeared in 13 games for Bowie State and totaled 21 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, nine sacks and two forced fumbles. He has three years of eligibility remaining and is slated to arrive in Huntington on July 5th. Murray plans to major in Criminal Justice.
Unrelated to football, Murray wanted readers to know that he is a Type 1 diabetic and was diagnosed in 2011. Fortunately, it does not impact him on the field, and he remains constantly mindful to prevent anything extreme from happening.
