UCLA defensive lineman Grayson Murphy bet on his abilities when he transferred to UCLA from North Texas. Murphy wanted to prove himself on the biggest stages. Murphy achieved that by recording 10 sacks across two productive campaigns in the Pac-12, which was arguably the best conference in college football this past season. Murphy now enters the 2024 NFL Draft with some much-deserved momentum at his back.
Murphy recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his reason for transferring, his pass-rush arsenal, which NFL teams are showing interest in his services, and more.
JM: You enjoyed two successful seasons at UCLA after transferring to the program from North Texas, recording five sacks in each season. How do you look back on the decision to transfer to UCLA from North Texas?
Grayson Murphy: It was a decision that was much prayed upon. I look back on that decision like it was the best decision for me. I spent two-and-a-half years at North Texas. I loved every second of my time there. They gave me an opportunity to play with my twin brother Gabriel Murphy.
I decided it was time to move up if you will after those two and a half years. I wanted to play at the Power Five level and leave the Group of Five, leaving North Texas behind. UCLA gave me a great opportunity to test my abilities on the biggest stage.
It was the right decision. I’m glad I made it.
JM: Did you experience any sense of culture shock? You were born in Dallas, Texas and went to school in North Texas. What was the initial feeling like after moving to UCLA?
Grayson Murphy: Los Angeles is a different place (laughs). I loved every bit of it. It was definitely a shock. I was born and raised in Texas. Moving out to L.A. was different. The city speaks for itself. It’s always hot and sunny minus a few rainy days. Other than that, it’s always sunny.
The people, the culture, it’s a little different from Texas, but nothing crazy. People are people everywhere you go. I treat everyone with kindness. It wasn’t really that big of a culture shock from that standpoint. Being away from my family for the first time was kinda tough. It’s a three-hour flight from Texas to Los Angeles. That was probably the hardest part for my brother and I.
JM: I love that. You put forth a great performance at Pro Day. You ran a 4.52 40, which would've been the third-best combine time for a DE. You ran a 4.33 shuttle, had a 37-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-5 broad. Both jumps would have tied for fifth-best among all DEs. Did you hear positive feedback from scouts afterward considering you weren't at the NFL Combine?
Grayson Murphy: Absolutely. I’ve heard positive feedback from all over, especially after the Pro Day. I trained very hard throughout the process. I was at XPE in Fort Lauderdale with Matt and Tony Villani. It was a great experience down there. They got me better in every aspect.
I was well prepared for Pro Day. I was initially bummed out when I didn’t get the NFL Combine invite. I knew I would have a chance to showcase my skills at Pro Day though. I did just that. I popped off a 4.52 40 like you said. I broad jumped a 10-5 and a 37-inch vertical.
I also did 27 reps on the bench press. I felt very confident in my work and the things I showcased at Pro Day.
JM: Did you meet with any teams face-to-face before Pro Day, and do you have any Top 30 Visits coming up?
Grayson Murphy: Yeah, I have a few 30 visits coming up. I have the Seattle Seahawks. I’ll be there on April 9th and 10th. I’ve had a few Zoom calls with various teams, both before and after Pro Day. I have a few more in-person visits lined up, but we’re still sorting through the schedule.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. You totaled 10 sacks at UCLA. How would you describe your pass rush arsenal?
Grayson Murphy: I think I have a very fluid arsenal. I really depend on that cross-chop. That’s my favorite move in my arsenal. I have a deep bag of moves though. I displayed a lot of that on film. I love to win with a speed rush, but I’m a power guy as well.
I played all over the defensive line at UCLA. We had a dominant unit with me, my brother [Gabriel Murphy], and Laiatu Latu. We also had Carl Jones Jr. We had four guys that were getting after the quarterback.
If you didn’t win with your initial pass-rush move, somebody else probably did (laughs). I have a deep arsenal, a deep bag if you will. I love to study offensive linemen, watch what they do, and figure out how to counteract it.
My go-to move is obviously that cross-chop. I work off of that depending on what I see from offensive linemen.
JM: We love watching you rush the passer on film. We've appreciated your time today. Why should a team use one of their draft picks on Grayson Murphy?
Grayson Murphy: That’s a beautiful question. I believe my numbers speak for themselves. I led the nation the last three years in pressures. I was number one in the nation in quarterback hits last season. You’re going to get a leader, someone who does whatever it takes to win. I’m going to do what it takes on Sundays. I’m going to support my teammates while also dominating my one-on-ones.
I can’t wait to get that call, for the opportunity that’s going to present itself. I can’t wait to find out where I’m going. I’ve been blessed throughout this journey. God has had my back every step of the way. I can’t wait to continue living out my dreams.