[2023] WVU Redshirt Freshmen Review - Daniel Murray

[smackemz]

 

In this series we will take a look at how each of the redshirt freshmen, with a significant role, from coach smackemz initial recruiting class fared in their debut season.

Next on the list.  We have 3* wide receiver Daniel Murray

Role - 3/4 WR and Emergency Tight End

If you were to poll fans on the biggest weakness of the Mountaineer football team, many would say that honor belongs to the wide receiver group.  They would likely be correct as the receiving group really struggled for the team throughout the 2023 season, as evidenced by running back Chad Dolis leading the team in receiving yards and targets.  One slight bright spot could be the performance of lightly recruited 3* Daniel Murray.  Murray was not expected to contribute much on the field this season, outside of special teams, but when the Mountaineers lost all of their active tight ends the coaching staff turned to the big bodied (fr) to play.  Murray impressed the coaching staff with his performance at tight end, and parlayed that into additional snaps at the wide receiver position as the season progressed.  We don't think his performance will be mistaken for Avery Sterling any time soon, but if Murray can continue to take advantage of his opportunities he could potentially be a starting caliber player by his (Jr) or (Sr) year.  On the season he was able to haul in 17 catches for 152 yards and also showed real improvement in his ability to block for the run game.  

Best Game - Week 5 vs Texas Tech - 4 catches for 39 yards 

Texas Tech was is the game that Daniel Murray was thrust into emergency Tight End duties.  Overall he had a respectable game in a difficult situation, and leaned on his athleticism to even haul in a 29 yard reception which set WVU up with great field position. 

Worst Game - Since Murray wasn't a full time starter we will skip this section

Overall - Daniel Murray made the best of a difficult situation and performed admirably when thrust into a position he had never played.  The expectations for him to contribute this season were very low, so there is some optimism that with the proper work he can one day become a starting caliber player for the Mountaineers.  It is no secret that WVU has struggled to recruit highly touted wideouts, so they are going to need contributions from players like Daniel Murray in order to compete in the Big 12.  

Outlook - WVU returns their top 2 receivers from 2023 and utility knife player Chad Dolis will also be back.  This likely means in 2024 that Daniel Murray will occupy a similar role as he did in 2023.  We expect that he'll have either the 3 or 4 position on the depth chart at wide receiver and will likely still maintain his emergency tight end designation.  His growth/WVU's recruiting will likely dictate how far he will climb the depth chart for his (Jr) and (Sr) seasons - the Mountaineers did haul in a 4* speedster this season, who potentially could start right away as a true freshman.