NFL teams love prospects who never quit, and who have proven they can adjust to changing circumstances and still succeed. That’s why North Carolina State defensive lineman Larrell Murchison should hear his name called early in the 2020 NFL Draft.
A disruptive force with a nonstop motor, Murchison recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about making the transition from the junior college level to the ACC, his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.
JM: You made the transition from JUCO to NC State. That can be a tough transition for some. What was your experience like?
LM: There was definitely a bit of a culture shock involved with that. There’s so much that goes into that. Typically, JUCO schools are a lot smaller. You might live right across the street from your classroom. You get to NC State and that’s a huge campus (laughs). There’s a lot more people around. There’s a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds on your team.
I was basically starting from scratch. I spent two years at JUCO and I came in with those guys. There’s a lot of familiarity there. Coming out of JUCO, you’re not a part of the same class as those guys. The junior class had already established themselves. I’m a new guy coming to the school. I didn’t have that relationship with the junior class coming in. That was really the only hurdle for me.
JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?
LM: It was a fun experience. It was a long week. There’s a lot of preparation that goes into it, both physically and mentally as you prepare for the on-field testing. I feel like things went well for me.
JM: Taking every aspect of the combine into account, what do you feel is the overall impression that you left out there?
LM: I think a lot of teams realized that I’m a pretty athletic guy. I’m an athletic player that does exactly what he’s supposed to do out there. I feel like I checked a lot of boxes in Indianapolis.
JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?
LM: I didn’t really get anything too strange. I had a lot of questions about my background coming from JUCO and what not. Everything was pretty straight forward though. I guess I was one of the lucky ones.
JM: Were you able to make any private visits or workouts before COVID-19 shut everything down?
LM: Unfortunately, I was not. We had some things scheduled but they were all impacted by the spread of the virus. Everything I’ve done has been through telephone.
JM: Which teams have you been able to meet with via FaceTime and such?
LM: I’ve met with the Titans, Patriots, Jets and Giants so far. We have a few more teams on the schedule.
JM: At this point in time, are you more comfortable in the passing game or run game?
LM: I would say that I’m more comfortable in the run game for now. I feel good about my technique in the run game. That’s how I’ve been coached throughout my time as a football player. I understand how to stay low and strike a block in the run game. I’m able to penetrate and get into the backfield. I’ve been able to make a lot of plays in the run game.
JM: What can you tell me about the scheme you guys ran at NC State and what your coaches asked of you?
LM: I played the 3-technique in our defense. I had to control my gap and do my job basically. We tried to build that wall in the middle of the defense. We were very much a gap-based defense that stayed in attack mode.
JM: You’re more comfortable against the run, but what can you tell me about your pass rush arsenal?
LM: I can be honest and say that it has room to grow. I can definitely say that. The ceiling is very high for me and I can’t wait to learn some new tricks and moves. Getting to the NFL means I get to meet new people, play for a new coaching staff and what not. I can’t wait to learn what they have to teach me. I’m excited for the opportunity.
JM: Who are some of the best offensive linemen you’ve gone up against?
LM: Colton McKivitz from West Virginia definitely stood out to me. Clemson had a great offensive line as a unit. I wouldn’t even name them individually, I thought they worked great as a unit. They were tough up front.
JM: What’s your favorite way to demoralize an offensive linemen?
LM: I’m not gonna lie to you, I love it when an offensive linemen feels like they have me early on in the rep but I just outwork them and still end up making the play. My motor always wins out at the end of the day. I end up making the play anyway. I run to the ball and continue to make plays in the backfield. I always try to get off the ball first. You’re not gonna outwork me. A lot of times, I get off the ball so quick that they think I’m offside. I’m never offside. That’s the best way for me to get into an offensive linemen’s head.
JM: When a team uses one of their draft picks on Larrell Murchison, what kind of guy are they getting?
LM: They’re getting a high-character guy, first and foremost. My motor is always running hot. I’m gonna give it my all for the team. I’m ready to learn, put my head down and get to work.
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