UCLA defensive lineman Gabriel 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 9.5 sacks across two productive campaigns in the Pac-12, including a breakout eight-sack season this past campaign. 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, his eight-sack season in 2023, 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 9.5 sacks. How do you look back on the decision to transfer to UCLA from North Texas?
Gabriel Murphy: I’m thankful for the time I had at North Texas with my brother Grayson Murphy. They gave us a special opportunity. When we decided we wanted to play at a higher level, we entered the portal and decided to transfer to UCLA together.
We wanted to play at the Power Five level. We felt like we dominated and did everything there was to do at North Texas, in the Group of Five. We wanted to upgrade from that Group of Five level.
We knew we’d be entered into the 2024 NFL Draft. We didn’t want any excuses or anybody saying we didn’t play at a high level. We went to the Pac-12 and were very productive at the highest level. We wanted to check that box for NFL scouts. We did just that at UCLA.
JM: You especially took a huge step forward this season, recording a career-high 8.0 sacks. What led to the uptick in production?
Gabriel Murphy: I worked hard throughout the offseason leading up to the 2023 season. I watched a lot of film while trying to refine my game. I wasn’t just in the weight room. I worked on stretching, my flexibility, my bend, my hip mobility.
I worked hard to become a better pass rusher. I was breaking those reps down into different stages. From my get-off to hand swipes to the finish, change of direction, things of that nature. I became a better finisher at the quarterback.
I worked on individual phases of those reps every single day. It paid dividends going into the season.
JM: How would you describe your pass rush arsenal? What are your go-to moves and counters?
Gabriel Murphy: My arsenal is very deep. Going through this process right now, a lot of people are telling me I have a deep bag. The double swipe is one of my go-to moves, as is the cross-chop. My brother and I love those moves.
I have a lot of power in my game as well. I love mixing in some power. I can shed a tackle with power. I’m not just a speed guy. I like to flash some power early in the game. I set my moves up with power. My go-to move is probably that cross-chop.
JM: I love that. You put forth an outstanding performance at the NFL Combine. You ran a 4.68 40 with a 1.59 10-yard split. You also had a 39.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-3 broad. How would you grade your overall performance?
Gabriel Murphy: My brother and I worked really hard throughout the training process going into the NFL Combine. We always dreamed about going to the combine together. I was bummed he didn’t get that invite. He was snubbed. He deserved to be there. He didn’t make any excuses about it. He killed his Pro Day and proved he’s an elite athlete.
Going back to me, I had a great time at the NFL Combine. I’ve always been athletic. I knew I was going to put up some good numbers. It’s one thing to say it and another thing to do it. It was a blessing to be out there. I thought I did a great job at the NFL Combine.
JM: You sure did. Have you met with any teams throughout this process, whether in person or virtually?
Gabriel Murphy: I met with all 32 teams at the NFL Combine. I had some Zoom meetings with the Vikings, Bengals, Browns, and Jaguars. I have an in-person visit with the Vikings as well. I have some others coming up on my schedule as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Gabriel Murphy going to make at the next level?
Gabriel Murphy: I feel like I’m the best pass rusher in this class besides my brother. It’s that simple. I’m going to make a huge impact. They’re going to get a leader. I want to come in and work.
I can’t wait to learn from the veterans. I had to do that when I went from North Texas to UCLA. I’m planning on doing the same thing at the next level. I’m ready for the challenge. I’m going to pick the brains of our veterans in the room.
Actions speak louder than words though. I’m ready to work. I’m going to lead by example by keeping my head down. You’re going to get a great pass rusher who’s ready to put his head down.
