#MizzouMade: Marcus Murphy

the days leading up to Mizzou’s season opener at home versus South Dakota state, senior tail back Marcus Murphy found a few moments in the midst of his preparations to reflect on a few matters of absolute importance to everyone associated with the program, whether it be player, coach or trainer. First up was the term “Mizzou Made.”

“It’s a foundation,” Murphy began. “I would say it turns young guys into men.”

As with most tight-knit groups and organizations, Mizzou football thinks of themselves as one big family, and Murphy stressed this greatly.

“We have a close bond,” Murphy explained. “Working hard and shedding blood sweat and tears with the guys, it just feels special.”

The Dallas, Texas, native also enlightened Mizzou Nation on the reasoning behind his decision to become a Mizzou Tiger instead of accepting offers elsewhere from the likes of Iowa State, Mississippi, and Minnesota.

“I chose Mizzou basically because of the family atmosphere. They have good academics [as well],” Murphy said. “I just felt like this was a place that I really wanted to be, and I could grow in the next four years.”

Murphy and junior Russell Hansbrough will carry the brunt of the team’s rushing duties in the wake of Henry Josey’s jump to the Philadelphia Eagles of the NFL. Murphy averaged 6.5 yards per tote last season and got to know the end zone pretty well, finding it 10 total times. He also headed up the team’s kick return department, averaging nearly 7 yards on punt returns, and just over 22 yards on kickoffs.

Mizzou will play its long-awaited opener against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits this Saturday. The opening kick is set for 2:30 p.m. at The ZOU, and the game will be televised on ESPNU and Tiger Network.