Saguaro’s Byron Murphy picks Washington over ASU
Jan 23, 2016, 12:57 PM | Updated: 2:12 pm
Four-star defensive back Byron Murphy from Saguaro High School has committed to the University of Washington over offers from Arizona State, USC and Texas A&M.
Considered the top prospect out of Arizona, Murphy was believed to be close to committing to ASU, but the recent departures of offensive coordinator Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Chris Ball to Memphis may have altered Murphy’s final decision.
“They factored in a lot, because Coach Ball recruited me,” Murphy told AZ Preps 365 on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Saturday. “Even though I have a good connection with Coach Graham, I still feel like the coaches that recruited me got up and left.”
The ripple effects of Norvell leaving ASU to become the head coach of Memphis continues to affect the Sun Devils. ASU misses out on the nation’s No. 40 overall prospect, according to Rivals.com.
Although Murphy changed his mind because of their departures, he shows no ill will toward Norvell and Ball.
“I want to say I hope they’re doing well, I put my praise for them,” Murphy said. “I know they’re going to do great stuff out there in Memphis, so hats off to them.”
ASU currently has 18 commitments with four appearing in the ESPN’s top 300.
