Photograph: Trent Murphy (Photograph by Bobby Ardoin)
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Trent Murphy hasn’t played a minute of college football, yet he already speaks with the wisdom of a veteran offensive lineman.
Murphy, a redshirt freshman who played at Opelousas High, thinks there is a chance for him to play more this year as a blocker for the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns.
However Murphy, who is classified as a redshirt freshman, is taking nothing for granted.
Listening to the vibe from the Louisiana coaches, there could be an opening on the offensive line this season for Murphy, a 6-foot-3, 284-pounder.
However that issue Murphy thinks won’t be settled for at least the next couple of weeks.
Until then Murphy feels, it might be more prudent to display some patience as the roster development unfolds.
“There are guys who have been here five years and I have been here for only two. What you have to do is learn from that and realize it might take time to become a starter. I won’t know much about this year until we get on the field and I am able to say that it’s my job,” Murphy said during an annual Louisiana football media day interview.
Murphy played both tackle positions at Opelousas High.
At this point for the Cajuns, Murphy thinks he will get his best look as a right tackle, although he still might be required to play the left side.
Normally offensive linemen are cliquish. Murphy said the Cajuns’ blockers are no different.
“I think we are. (The linemen) do a lot of things together. We go and eat together, play games, x box or go bowling. All the linemen are pretty close. At first I was a little nervous around the other (linemen) and didn’t know that many of them. That kind of took time to happen,” Murphy said.
Offensive coordinator Tim Leger on Wednesday that he is aware that Murphy has sufficient potential to make an impact for the Cajuns.
“What I’ve always loved about Trent is (his) athleticism. Since he’s been (in Lafayette) he’s fought through some minor things, but he’s very smart. I think right now that he will start the season at 100 percent healthy. (Murphy) will certainly be in the mix if that happens,” Leger said.
Murphy expects the Cajuns to lean on the run blocking ability of the linemen.
Louisiana Murphy said, will depend heavily on the running game.
“I feel like the guys we have on the offensive line will allow us to run the ball,” Murphy added.
Two years ago Murphy committed originally to play at McNeese. Murphy later changed his mind, de-committed and then recommitted and was signed to a Cajuns’ scholarship.
Murphy said throughout the recruiting process, he maintained an active relationship with Louisiana head football coach Michael Desormeaux.
Desormeaux was an offensive coach at the time. However Murphy said he was appreciative of the close contact he developed with Desormeaux.
At this point Murphy isn’t considering entering the college transfer portal.
“The coaches and the people here at the school are nice. So are my teammates and I have enjoyed being around everyone. I was recruited by Coach Des, and he still texted with me even though I committed elsewhere. (Desormeaux) is someone who has been honest with me all along. He treats you like a son,” Murphy said.
LOCAL CAJUNS’ – On the preseason roster currently for the Cajuns are a pair of freshmen: running back Tylon Citizen (Church Point) and linebacker Hayden Darbonne (Eunice High).
