A report by Adam Baliatico of 247 Sports states that Rutgers football has added JUCO wide receiver Cole Murphy to the program as a preferred walk-on. The report indicates that Murphy will enroll early at Rutgers for the spring semester. He played this past season at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas.
According to the Coffeyville team page, Murphy finished the season with 10 receptions for 116 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also had 5 carries for 16 yards and 1 touchdown, as well as he threw for a 7 yard touchdown in his only pass attempt of the season. Murphy’s father confirmed that his son was headed to play at Rutgers on twitter last night.
A brand new Scarlet Knight heading to Rutgers this week. Cole Murphy, proud of you son https://t.co/VzfXHtnEZF
— Sean Murphy (@SeanMurphyUT) January 7, 2017
Murphy’s versatility could be an asset for Rutgers, as it’s likely he could contribute on special teams, in addition to a role on offense. The wide receiver group at Rutgers currently includes a young core with Rashod Blunt Dacoven Bailey, Ahmed Bah, Jawuan Harris, Mo Jabbie, and Ahmir Mitchell.
The current roster updated for the 2017 season on the official Rutgers Football website also lists Janarion Grant as a fifth year senior. However, there has been no official announcement by the NCAA or the school as to him receiving a medical redshirt for last season and being eligible for the 2017 season, as well as confirmation Grant is returning. It’s important to not jump to conclusions on Grant until an official statement is made by Rutgers or himself.
Aside from Grant, Harris is the only other receiver returning that has significant game action under his belt. Adding an older player like Murphy to the mix can only help with the development of this position group. To watch highlights of Murphy in action at Coffeyville Community College, click here.
Murphy will be joining prized 4-star recruit Micah Clarke and his high school teammate, 3-star recruit Jamaal Beaty, on the banks for the spring semester later this month. The offensive lineman officially signed with Rutgers earlier this past week and confirmed they are enrolling early.
For an update on where the class of 2017 for Rutgers ranks just a few weeks ahead of national signing day, click here. We will have plenty of recruiting coverage here at On The Banks leading up to national signing day on February 1st.