New USC commit Mason Murphy on what sealed his commitment to the Trojans

While we broke down and took a look at what Mason Murphy brings to the table with his commitment to the Trojans, today we circle back to Murphy’s conversation with Rivals.com about what sold him on USC.

In a story published last week, Murphy spoke with Ryan Young over at TrojanSports to explain what helped seal his commitment. Murphy announced his decision on Twitter on March 11, joining three others already committed to the class of 2021.

When asked when he knew he wanted to commit to USC, Murphy said he had known for awhile but needed the time to be right. And needed his family’s support, something I’m sure came easy.

“I knew I wanted to commit while I was up there I just needed to discuss it with my family and they were all for it,” Murphy told TrojanSports.com, offering perspective into his commitment. “I had a great time up there. Its a whole new culture and that faith, family, football [philosophy] is real up there and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Murphy is currently a three-star recruit but from his highlights during his junior season, he certainly looks the part to jump up to a four-star during his senior year. He’s got quick feet and a great sense of balance through contact and in his movement. He’s a big man and his strength is apparent as well. Continuing to improve his hand placement and technique in both the run game and pass game would almost certainly secure that fourth star.

Those are both certainly aspects that USC offensive line coach Tim Drevno could teach him. And Drevno’s long conversation with Murphy also apparently helped seal the commit, according to Murphy himself:

“I had a long convo with (Drevno) and we just talked football for like 45 minutes and I really picked his brain and got an idea for his coaching style and his background and how he is going to use me at the next level,” Murphy said. “He said I have a chance at playing early and he sees me at the left tackle position.”

It’s no surprise that Murphy feels right at home at USC as he’s currently being coached by several former Trojan athletes. Currently Junipero Serra Catholic School head coach Pat Harlow played for USC until 1991 when he became a first-round pick during the 1991 draft. He blocked for former USC quarterbacks Rodney Peete and Todd Marinovich.

Also on the JSerra coaching staff is former USC offensive lineman Sam Baker who played for USC under Pete Carroll from 2003-2007. Baker was a first-team All-American for three seasons as well as First-Team All-Pac-12 during those three years as well. Ultimately, he spent seven seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons after being drafted in the first round of the 2008 draft.

Murphy told Rivals that he’s learned a ton from Baker in a short period of time:

“I have already learned so much from coach Baker and he’s only been coaching me for a handful of weeks, so I’m very excited for the upcoming season,” Murphy said. “They haven’t said much to me about my commitment because they knew it was coming. I had told both of them on Monday. Them being former Trojans didn’t affect my decision because they didn’t try and shove their past into me making this decision.”

Currently, Murphy is 40th-best tackle prospect in the country as well as the 46th-best player in the state according to 247Sports. With Baker as his position coach for the next season, the potential to grow as a blocker and grab that fourth star is even greater.

Regardless, we’re glad you’re a Trojan, Mason!