Murphy, the highest-rated prospect among the four wide receivers in Tennessees class, went on his official visit to Knoxville the weekend of Jan. 13 and continued to indicate after the visit that hes still firmly committed to the Vols.
Im set on them.
I dont think nothing could change my mind, really, he told GoVols247 last week.
But the 6-foot-1, 170-pound Murphy also didnt close the door on Ole Miss, saying last week that hes just going on the visit to see how it is. Sources have said the Rebels are cautiously optimistic about their chances of being able to steal him away from Tennessee going into this weekend.
Theyre trying to get me down there, but I dont know if Im going to go or not, Murphy said last week. I dont know what made them come back (to me). Since they got the new receivers coach (Jacob Peeler), he said that hes been looking at me, that he wants me to be a part of their team. Thats the only (other) team Im hearing from.
Holding onto Murphy has remained a priority for Tennessee in recent weeks, but its worth noting that sources have continued to indicate that he still has work to do academically.
The risk of Murphy failing to qualify academically was serious enough for Murphy to acknowledge last week that he would consider looking into some jucos, although he said he feels confident Ill make it.
At this point, it still appears there's a good chance Tennessee will be able to keep Murphy in its class. But his possible visit to Ole Miss is at least worth watching this weekend.