Murphy Signs With Gorillas

— Prairie Grove football coach Danny Abshier invited Tigers fans to celebrate Jared Murphy’s decision to sign a national letter of intent with Pittsburg State on Wednesday.

“It’s a terrific university,” Abshier said. “They’ve won four national championships.”

Murphy
Murphy

The Gorillas, an NCAA Division II team, compete in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association along with Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Okla.

“He’s getting a good deal,” Abshier said. “It’s kind of fulfilling the dream he’s wanted to do. He’s talked about playing college football since the seventh grade.”

Murphy said Prairie Grove’s coaches have been like second fathers to him, and he wanted to go to a school where he could receive further mentoring.

“Pittsburg fit,” Murphy said. “I felt like they can bring me in, and it won’t get personal. It’s something they can help me with.”

Murphy anchored a Prairie Grove defense that posted seven shutouts en route to a 12-1 record with a 4A-1 Conference championship and appearance in the Class 4A state semifinals.

Murphy played nose guard, making 100 tackles and nine tackles for loss. He also played tight end, helping the Tigers rush for 3,546 yards while catching nine passes for 150 yards.

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