Interview: 4-Star 2020 OL Myles Murao Improving Versatility in the Trenches Across the Line
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There is nothing scarier for a defensive lineman than a stud offensive lineman that can throw down at each and every position across the board. That is the goal of Class of 2020 standout Myles Murao, and what he did at right guard during his sophomore season. The drive and determination to improve his overall versatility is impressive, especially for a talent already highly regarded as a four-star recruit with 12 college scholarships on the table; but that is just Murao.
Murao earned his stars the hard way working his craft for Mater Dei High School during the 2017 season. The Monarchs were loaded with talent rolling the opposition to a 15-0 record capturing a MaxPreps national championship. But, no matter how loaded the Monarchs squad, Murao was counted upon at guard to blow open holes for the run game and to keep five-star Class of 2018 quarterback JT Daniels (USC) upright. The job was accomplished earning first team All-American and first team All-State in the 2020 classification.
The play of the 6-3, 280-pound, lineman has drawn the eyes of coaches with a haul of offers from LSU, USC, Colorado, Washington, Mississippi State, Auburn, Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Oregon State, Utah, Oregon, and UCLA. Many would rest on their laurels with an offer sheet that impressive, but not Murao. Murao has spent time in the offseason playing every position on the line further increasing his chances of early playing time at the collegiate level.
In a Recruiting News Guru update interview, I sat down with one of the more highly regarded offensive linemen, not only in the state of California but in the nation, to learn more about his recruiting process and offseason workouts.
*Click link for March 13, 2018, RNG video interview with Myles Murao
Interview
Myles, how are your offseason workouts going?
“Our workouts are going great. We are in summer workouts now. We are lifting in the morning and practicing in the afternoon. We get to sleep in, that is nice.”
Where are you seeing the biggest growth in your skillset?
“I am seeing the biggest growth with my overall blocking. I am working every single position on the line this offseason to increase my versatility.”
That’s impressive. Even at center?
“Yes, sir.”
How did you work in snaps at center this spring and did you get to snap for college coaches watching practice?
“Yes, sir. During our individual period, I would line up at center and guard, just in case for college coaches. Now, I can play right guard or center at the next level.”
Where will you start when the season begins?
“Left tackle.”
Tell me a little bit about the improvements you are seeing with your run and pass blocking.
“With my run blocking, I am using my hands and rerouting better. I am keeping my elbows and hands inside all the time. On my pass-set, I am keeping my hips square.”
Which areas of your game are focused on this summer before the season begins?
“I am trying to balance everything and work as hard as I can. I just keep fine-tuning everything.”
How did spring practices with the Monarchs go?
“From a team perspective, we had a lot of transfers come in this spring. We are coming together well. We are working as a team. We’ve done a lot of team bonding. Talent will get you so far. You need leadership and team work, that is what matters. That is what will get us to the CIF championship again. We had teamwork and leadership last season. I see that coming along for us before the season starts.”
Did any college coaches come by Mater Dei to meet with you in-person this offseason or to watch you practice?
“There were a lot, a whole lot. At Mater Dei, there are always college coaches there.”
Last camp I saw you at was the LA Nike Regional, have you been to any camps or combines since then?
“Yes, sir. I went to Polynesian Bowl Combine in Vegas, Washington’s Redlands camp, USC Rising Stars, and the USC Elite Camp.”
How did the USC camps go?
“The USC camps went well. I worked with their offensive line coach, Coach (Neil) Callaway; he’s a good guy and a good coach. I did really well there. I showed good technique and learned different things from him. I balled out there.”
What about the Washington camp, how did that go?
“That went well. I worked with their offensive line coach, Coach (Scott) Huff; he is a really good guy. Some of my teammates were there too, they loved Coach Huff as well. We all did well there. There was some good competition there as well.”
Do you have any upcoming camps scheduled?
“No, sir. I am done for the offseason.”
After all the camps and coaches watching practices, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Based off camp invites, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Stanford, Florida, and Florida State.”
How many offers do you have now?
“I have 12 offers.”
Wow. Last question. When you take a break from football this summer, what is on the list of fun things to do?
(Laughs) “What break? I will probably go to the beach, hang out with friends, and go see some movies.”
Myles, I appreciate your time today. Good luck with the rest of your summer workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Murao family; Myles Murao with Coach Petersen