Chris Murray relying on faith: ‘You stay down for the come-up’

As spring football continues, center Chris Murray chats on faith through adversity and his new leadership role at center.

“Everyone sees the field in a different way and you have to find that,” Oklahoma center Chris Murray echoed to media on Wednesday. Continue reading “Chris Murray relying on faith: ‘You stay down for the come-up’”

Lincoln Riley confirms UCLA Transfer OL Chris Murray eligible to play for Sooners

Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley confirmed today that UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray is now eligible to play for Oklahoma.

There were some reports last week that UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray had been granted an immediate eligibility to play for Oklahoma the remainder of the season.

That report was confirmed today by Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley at his weekly zoom press conference.

While Oklahoma had a much better offensive line performance Saturday against Texas than what we had seen previously, Murray is still some very welcomed help.

Murray brings a lot of experience with him, as he saw loads of action the last couple of seasons while with the Bruins.

This is also the perfect opportunity for him to get ready to see the field with the Sooners having the week off this week before playing at TCU next weekend.

 

UCLA transfer OL Chris Murray has been granted immediate eligibility to play at Oklahoma per report

Recent UCLA transfer and Oklahoma offensive linemen Chris Murray has been granted an eligibility waiver this season.

Recent UCLA transfer and offensive linemen Chris Murray has been granted an eligibility waiver this season, The Athletic’s Jason Kersey reports.

It may not mean much for this week, though, as Murray has already been spotted in street clothes ahead of Oklahoma’s meeting with Texas on Saturday.

Oklahoma’s offensive line is desperately needing the assistance, and Murray would be a meaningful addition as he brings both talent and starting experience to the table.

Murray played in 900 total snaps across 12 different games for the Bruins last season, racking up experience as one of their primary offensive linemen. He also played in 849 total snaps in 2018.

For an offensive line that is seriously lacking major experience, Murray could end up being the change that sparks a resurgence.

Delay of NCAA one-time transfer rule impacts Oklahoma’s Chris Murray, Umoja Gibson

The NCAA was heading in the direction of professional style free agency, but it has since stepped off that train. 

The NCAA was heading in the direction of professional style free agency, but it has since stepped off that train.

A one-time transfer rule that would allow student-athletes in men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, men’s ice hockey and football to transfer freely one time without having to sit out. The NCAA has brought the possibility to light, but announced on Thursday that the potential new legislation for it ‘isn’t appropriate at this time’.

Two players in the two biggest Oklahoma sports—UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray and North Texas basketball transfer Umoja ‘Mo’ Gibson—were in need of the one-time transfer rule to happen in order to play in 2020-21 for the Sooners. Now, it appears as if both will have to wait until the 2021-22 school year to start playing.

Murray would have been an instant-impact player for offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh. There isn’t a clear direction of where he would have played, but his physicality, technique and athleticism is right up there with some of the best Bedenbaugh has had during his time at Oklahoma.

Gibson was going to be of much more importance. Lon Kruger and the Sooners are in a dying need of another scoring option after Kristian Doolittle exhausted his eligibility. The North Texas transfer would have provided as such and been a likely member of Oklahoma’s starting lineup if immediately eligible.

Instead, Oklahoma can stick with Tyrese Robinson and Marquis Hayes at guard instead of Murray taking a spot. Alondes Williams or Jalen Hill will start instead of Gibson for the basketball team.

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UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray explains why he chose Oklahoma

UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray explains why he chose Oklahoma.

Oklahoma gained a commitment from UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray on Thursday, adding even more depth to Bill Bedenbaugh’s arsenal of offensive linemen.

Murray started two full years for the Bruins, but decided the Sooners would be the best fit to finish his career.

“I just felt like going there I could take my game to another level as far as development and the environment,” Murray told 247Sports. “I felt like I could be challenged every day in my last three years of college football. Just the talent and the mentality. I was able to see what they’re on, and it’s the type of mentality I want to be a part of. I feel like Coach B, he’s one of the best offensive line coaches in college football. I just felt comfortable putting my future in his hands on and off the field.”

Murray also cited the tradition Oklahoma holds in college football, as well the school’s recent pattern of sending it’s offensive linemen to the NFL draft.

“I know the legacy they have, and I know what it means to wear Oklahoma across your chest,” Murray said. “I know the respect they demand and the people that have come before them.” he said to 247Sports. “Oklahoma is known for offensive linemen… The standard they hold for offensive linemen over there… you have to have a great o-line… it’s something I want to be a part of.”

Oklahoma picks up UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray

Oklahoma received some much needed and surprising news on Thursday. UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray committed to the Sooners.

Oklahoma received some much needed and surprising news on Thursday.

UCLA transfer offensive lineman Chris Murray entered the transfer portal in January with three years left to play two. The Sooners are always looking for ways to improve on the offensive line.

Oklahoma offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh reportedly reached out immediately and it paid off in Murray’s commitment.

“I feel great right now, really felt like Oklahoma was the best place for me,” Murray told 247Sports after his commitment. “It came down to Oklahoma, Miami and Florida State, those are the three schools I was looking at once I hit the portal but I developed a pretty special relationship with coach B (Bill Bedenbaugh) and that played a big role in my decision.”

 

“It wasn’t easy leaving UCLA, I made great connections there and I have brothers on the team for life,” Murray said. “It was just a gut feeling honestly. I just felt like I needed a change and Oklahoma is the perfect place for me moving forward. I played against Oklahoma already and I know what they’re about. I know what kind of program they have and the environment there.

“They’re all about winning and are set up for that. Right now, the plan is for me to head up there as soon as I can. Everything is on lock down right now but as soon as we’re able to, I’ll head up there and be ready to go. Like I said I’m really excited about this move and I can’t wait to get going.”