Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy has secured the starting job for the Blue Devils’ 2024 season opener against Elon, as announced by first-year coach Manny Diaz. Murphy, a transfer from Texas, brings valuable experience to Duke, having won both of his starts last season for the Longhorns against BYU and Kansas State.
He threw for 477 yards and three touchdowns during the 2023 season. Murphy outperformed sophomore Grayson Loftis, who started five games for Duke last year in place of Riley Leonard, the former starter who transferred to Notre Dame after the season.
Coach Diaz emphasized that Murphy earned the starting role through his preparation, work ethic, and consistent productivity. Diaz expressed excitement for Murphy, praising his dedication and investment in the team and program. Murphy, standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 238 pounds, originally joined Texas as an ESPN 300 recruit from the class of 2022. As a redshirt sophomore, Murphy has played in seven games during his college career.
Murphy’s decision to transfer to Duke came after a difficult choice to leave Texas in December 2023. Despite Texas’ participation in the College Football Playoff, Murphy prioritized finding a team where he could secure a starting role and further his career.
“I just want to be in a position where I can play,” Murphy said, explaining his motivation to transfer. He didn’t want to wait for opportunities to open up but sought to take control of his future by finding a school where he could compete for a starting job.
Duke’s recruitment of Murphy was a major achievement for Coach Diaz, who had just arrived at the school from Penn State. Diaz recognized the potential in Murphy and managed to secure the quarterback’s commitment despite interest from other notable programs, including Oregon State, South Carolina, and Baylor. The move to Duke represents a fresh start for Murphy, who expressed his desire for a new beginning where he could take on a leadership role and prove his abilities on the field.
Overall, Murphy’s transfer to Duke and his ascension to the starting quarterback position mark a new chapter in his football career. His decision to leave Texas and the competition he faced at Duke have positioned him for success under Coach Diaz’s leadership. As the Blue Devils look to make strides in their first season under Diaz, Murphy’s experience and talent will be crucial in shaping the team’s performance.
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