UNM football update: Murphy primed for an increased role; Perry no longer with the team

Murphy primed for an increased roleALBUQUERQUE — The University of New Mexico football team began its fall camp July 30, and former Cleveland standout David Murphy found himself a role on the Lobo defense.

“He’s smart, he’s tough, he’s physical, he loves football, and he has a lot of pride in being from New Mexico,” UNM head coach Jason Eck said.

During the offseason and in the first week of fall camp, Murphy has played a “star” like position on defense; a star player is a versatile defender that gets reps as a corner, a safety, a nickel, a dime and a linebacker.

“He’s a versatile guy. You will see him sometimes in our ‘star’ position, which is like our nickel/SAM linebacker, and then you will see him slide into our posse package,” Eck said.

To get ready for the demands of playing a variety of roles, Murphy has put on a few more pounds than he listed years prior. According to the UNM website, Murphy is listed at 197 pounds.

While at UNM, Murphy has earned his stripes: He started out as a walk-on, earned a scholarship last year, and up until now, has mostly played on special teams.

“Anywhere they want to put at whatever position, any position on special teams, I am really just blessed to be here, and I will do whatever they ask of me,” Murphy said.

Now, he has earned the admiration of UNM’s defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky, who is a big fan of Murphy’s play and physicality.

“I am just really grateful for the opportunity to play for my hometown school for coaches that believe in me,” Murphy said. “All the credit to my coaches.”

While at Cleveland, Murphy helped the Storm football team win two state titles and was also a standout track athlete.

“He brings a lot of flexibility because he is so smart. He’s a tough and good football player,” Eck said.

Murphy also wanted to credit former UNM coaches Heath Ridenour and David Howes for his development.

“Both David Howes, who was originally the Rio Rancho head coach, and at first a rival, and then Heath Ridenour. Definitely two mentors for me. Coach Howes and Coach Ridenour were both coaches when I got here, and Ridenour was my high school coach. Both have had a big impact on my life,” said Murphy, who also wanted to shout out Cleveland track coaches Kenny Henry and Isaac Burgener.

Perry no longer on the teamUNM linebacker Josh Perry was not listed on the fall camp roster, and it was confirmed by UNM officials that Perry is no longer on the team.

Perry, who was a standout running back for the Storm, had switched positions in the spring and would have made his linebacker debut later on this month.

Perry has not responded to a request for comment.

In early spring, UNM had four Rio Rancho natives on the squad, but with the departure of Isaiah Chavez and Perry, that number is down to two. The other Rio Rancho native is receiver Evan Wysong.