The Pitt football coaching staff has recently developed a bit of a talent pipeline from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh. Within the last few years, the Panthers have added Patrick Amara, Hez Trahan, Jared Jones-Smith, Shakir ‘Sack’ Soto, Matt Galambos and Justin Moody to their roster. Yet another player from the eastern side of the state has landed solidly on the Pitt’s radar: 2015 West Chester (PA) defensive lineman Kevin Murphy (6-foot-2 ½ inches, 265 pounds).
Murphy has been a four-year starter for West Chester High School. He has primarily played defensive end. He recorded 88 tackles, 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 2 batted passes and 2 fumble recoveries his junior season. Cincinnati, Connecticut, Middle Tennessee State, Western Michigan and Monmouth have offered him a scholarship.
Murphy is hoping to add an offer on May 6th when Pitt defensive ends coach John Palermo and offensive line coach Jim Hueber visit him next week.
“I’m hearing from Pitt, Maryland, Rutgers and Penn State,” said Murphy. “I’m excited to receive a visit from Coach Palermo and Coach Heuber on the 6th of May. I really like the Pitt football program.”
“I went to camp last summer and started to develop a relationship with them. I attended Pitt’s game against Notre Dame last season. If you were a recruit, that was the game to attend. It was an amazing experience. It got me even more interested in Pitt.”
Murphy was asked if he was primarily being recruited as a defensive end or tackle. He quickly stated, “I’m being look at as a defensive tackle. I’m a wheel house type guy. I can play anywhere on the line. I’m a versatile defensive lineman. I’m almost 6-foot-3 inches at the moment and I’m still growing.”
Murphy has one specific connection to the Pitt football program. “We are close with the Giubilato family. Mark Giubilato, who played fullback for Pitt, is like an older brother to me. He’s a great guy to have in your corner. He’s helped me through the process and told me about his time at Pitt.”
Kevin was asked to describe his strengths from the defensive tackle position. “I have a strong work ethic; I’m a great at hand fighting. I go through hand fighting drills daily. I’m a strong pass rusher. My game is based on my motor, speed and hips.”
“I have intangibles that come into play. I have a big heart and a love for the game. My motor is non-stop. I’ve broke hands in the past and went right back into the game.”
“I know Pitt has had a number of players from area go there. I played against Matt Galambos in the past. He was an animal in high school. I like the Pitt program a lot and it would be great to be the next player representing my area.”
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