Jason Murphy has been waiting for this weekend his entire football-playing life. The Edmonson High and Virginia Tech graduate will gather with family Saturday and Sunday, hoping to hear that he has been selected in the National Football League draft.
“I keep playing it over and over in my head,” said Murphy, who is a 6-feet-2, 300-pound offensive guard said. “It?ll be like ?Dang, that?s my name.?”
Murphy, who was a defensive standout at Edmonson, said that he is confident that he will hear his name called this weekend. More than likely, if he is picked, Murphy will be selected Sunday.
“I really think I am going to get picked,” Murphy said.
Teams such as the Atlanta Falcons, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Giants and Carolina Panthers have shown the most interest in the first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection.
“All of it has been overwhelming,” Murphy said. “Now that I am finally here, it?s like my dream is about to come true.”
The23-year-old Baltimore native graduated last May from Virginia Tech with a degree in real estate property management. He is working on another degree in sociology that he hopes to finish once his football career is determined.
After months of workouts and preparation, Murphy said that he has returned to Baltimore to celebrate this week with his family and friends.
“I?ve got everyone behind me. They?re all behind me,” Murphy said Monday. “I?m just basically taking it all in and enjoying the situation.”
Murphy also knows that having his name selected will mean a great deal for the people of Baltimore. He said he has seen old friends and coaches from high school and they have told him how proud they are of his achievements.
Murphy is also aware of the finicky nature of professional football. He knows that anything can happen during draft weekend.
“I haven?t been real big-headed about it. I?m praying about the situation. I know it?s a crazy day. I?m praying that I do get drafted,” he said.
THE NFL DRAFT
When: April 29-30
TV: ESPN/NFL Network
Ravens? first pick: No. 13
Did you know? Murphy has several NFL sources to lean on as he prepares for the draft, including former Virginia Tech teammate Michael Vick. Murphy said he has talked to the former No. 1 pick to glean any knowledge about surviving this weekend. “Just to have the opportunity to talk to guys like that who have been through this has helped,” Murphy said.
