USU's Murphy a Dolphin

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Apr 28, 2008 | by Jay Hinton Deseret News

Utah State's Shawn Murphy was already committed to give his heart and soul to whichever NFL team drafted him, but after the Miami Dolphins selected him in the fourth round, after they traded up five spots to get him, he's prepared to give even more.

"It's an honor and a responsibility. In a way, to me, it feels like you're indebted to them to prove yourself as a player and to become the player they want you to be," he said in a conference call to the Miami media shortly after being selected No. 110 overall.

"The fact they traded up to get me just reinforces that fact even more to me. From a psychological standpoint that they expect a lot out of me, and I know I'm capable of delivering it. I have to deliver it," he said.

At 6 feet 4 inches, 320 pounds, the Dolphins liked what the guard from Utah State had to offer and they were willing to give something up to get him: a seventh-round pick to move up a few spots.

"This is a good, solid pick at this point in the draft," read the analysis on NFL.com. "He's versatile on the offensive line. Murphy is mature and has great size. In Miami, they are going to want to pound the ball and he is not only strong but tough, smart and can change direction. He could be in the league a long time."

Murphy was the first of two Utah State University players selected and first player from the state of Utah taken.

BYU linebacker Bryan Kehl also went in the fourth round to the New York Giants (123rd overall), while Weber State offensive lineman David Hale was selected late in the fourth round by the Baltimore Ravens (133rd overall).

Utah State kick returner/wide receiver Kevin Robinson was taken in the sixth round by the Kansas City Chiefs (182nd overall).

Said NFL.com: "Robinson is the best return man in the country out of Utah State. The competition isn't great in the WAC, and it could be tough for him to adjust to the pro game. Still, he's very good at what he does and is an excellent special teamer."

Murphy watched the first round of the draft on Saturday and then didn't turn it on again until Sunday. He was out of the room when he got a telephone call from the Dolphins telling him that they were going to draft him, and before he could tell his family and friends, who were in the other room, his name came across the screen, and he heard his mother Nancy scream.

"I was hanging out in the other room trying to get my mind off things and then I got the phone call," he said.

He reports to rookie mini-camp this weekend.

He wasn't surprised when the Dolphins him because of the contact he had with them at the combine.

"I had an interview with their entire coaching staff after the combine, and they sent their offensive line coach out to work me out at school," he said. "I'm really excited to be given the opportunity by them."

Murphy, which played defensive line in junior college, switched to the offensive line at Utah State and started every game (24) with the Aggies. He started at tackle his junior year, and then moved to guard last season.

E-mail: jhinton@desnews.com