Texas: Allen’s Kyler Murray Chases Lone Star Legend Status

By Scott Hansen
Elite Scouting Texas
shansen@elitescoutingservices.com

On Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in Texas high school football history will take the field one final time as a high school player as Kyler Murray will lead Allen in search of its third straight state title in Texas’ largest classification against Houston Cypress Ranch.

Committed to Texas A&M, the 5-foot-10, 180-pound Murray has dazzled while compiling a 41-0 record as a starting quarterback. In 2014 alone, Murray has accounted for 5,829 yards of offense and 74 touchdowns.

Throw size out the window when it comes to Murray. Murray can make all the mandatory throws required for success at the highest level in college, even the Southeastern Conference. What he can do on the run is quite simply magical and translates well to any level. During his senior campaign, Murray is averaging over 10 yards per carry and has reached 25 rushing touchdowns in a season for the second time in his career.

Murray’s trek to a possible third state championship was not easy. After facing one of the toughest districts in Texas 6A football with the FBS talent-laden rosters of Plano, Plano West, and Flower Mound Marcus lurking, Allen was handed one of the most grueling playoff slates anybody could have imagined.

After handling upstart Keller Central in round one, the Eagles needed to dispose of then nationally-ranked DeSoto on a last second field goal in just the second round, 25-22. After then passing the test of Arlington Martin 69-54, the Eagles had to face DFW powerhouse Euless Trinity, claiming a thrilling 30-27 result on another late field goal.

In the state semifinal in front of around 20,000 at Ford Stadium on the campus of Southern Methodist, Allen needed to outscore previously unbeaten Dallas Skyline 28-0 in the final quarter to punch its ticket to Arlington with a 52-34 victory. Murray finished with 406 passing yards and five scores and picked up another crafty 115 rushing yards to keep the sticks moving.

As with any successful quarterback, Murray has had plenty of help. Notre Dame wide receiver commit Jalen Guyton has 1,742 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns for the Eagles this season, while underrated senior receiver Lee Morris has used his 6’2 frame to catch 10 touchdown passes and average over 21 yards per grab.

Up front, senior offensive tackle Bobby Evans is committed to Oklahoma, while junior tackle Greg Little is committed to Texas A&M and regarded as the current top player in the entire country in the Class of 2016 according to 247Sports. Also up front, guard Cody Wheeler is committed to North Texas.

Last season in the 5A-Division I state title game, pressure was not an issue for Murray. In front of a state record crowd of 54,347, Allen rolled to a 63-28 victory over Pearland. Murray completed 11 of 14 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns and added another 188 rushing yards and a score to lead the Eagles on their way.

As a sophomore, Allen’s state title game victory over Houston Lamar drew the third largest crowd in Texas high school football history. An impressive 48,379 fans watched Allen down Houston Lamar, 35-21. Murray opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 55-yard run.

No matter what the result against Cypress Ranch, Murray has been fun to watch and a pleasure to cover. Without question, Murray is one of the best high school football players these eyes have ever seen.

Kyler Murray
Allen
5’10, 180
Committed to Texas A&M

2014 Stats Thus Far
Passing: 256/401 (63.8), 4,397 yards, 49 TDs, 8 INTs
Rushing: 142 carries, 1,432 yards, 25 TDs
2014 Highlights (Courtesy of Hudl and Student Sports):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZfNjVLJST4

2013 Stats
Passing: 207/325 (63.7), 3,669 yards, 46 TDs, 9 INTs
Rushing: 151 carries, 1,274 yards, 19 TDs
State Championship Game Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eetx5KV4vxs

2012 Stats
Passing: 153/249 (61.5), 2,004 yards, 17 TDs, 5 INTs
Rushing: 188 carries, 1,370 yards, 25 TDs
State Championship Game Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DVKfOJsi4A

Total
Passing: 616/975 (63.2), 10,070 yards, 112 TDs, 22 INTs
Rushing: 481 carries, 4,076 yards, 69 TDs