Hidden next level 2024 DB/OLB gem Derrick Murdock at Little Rock Southwest
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
At one of the newer high schools in the state of Arkansas, a D-I talent is being overlooked. After playing his junior season with Mills, Derrick Murdock suited up for Little Rock Southwest in 2023 continuing to terrorize 7A Natural State ball carriers. As a safety, nickel, and outside backer, Murdock (6-0, 200) has shown he can do it all on the field.
Controlling the box and the secondary for the Comets in 2022, Murdock racked up 111 stops with 52 tackles for a loss, and 16 sacks. His athleticism was once again used all over the gridiron this fall.
“I play everything on defense, I am an athlete,” Murdock said. “The only thing I don’t play is defensive tackle.”
The Gryphons’ defensive scheme and Murdock’s role within it was explained, “We run a 3-3-5. It is weird, I am right behind the Mike linebacker like how Luke Kuechly was played in high school; that is how they were using me.”
In addition to being a hard hitter with fantastic closing speed, Murdock ran down the traits to his game that help him standout, “For me, it is easy to read offenses. I have been around it so much, it looks like backyard football to me. I can read the quarterback, I know where he is throwing the ball.”
Next level scouts see Murdock continuing to play all over the field.
“I’m getting recruited at safety, but they also say linebacker,” Murdock stated. “What they mean at linebacker is playing that nickel spot.”
Seven offers have been extended with new interest coming Murdock’s way.
“A-State (Arkansas State) is showing interest and the Frogs, TCU, is showing interest,” Murdock said. “Oregon was texting me, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, and Arkansas are also showing interest.”
The offering squads were listed: “Missouri, Alcorn State, ABC (Arkansas Baptist), Lindenwood, Texas Southern Commerce, UT-Martin, and UAPB (Arkansas-Pine Bluff).”
Four game-day visits were taken this fall.
“I went to Arkansas, Missouri, Ole Miss, and UT-Martin,” Murdock stated.
Murdock spoke about heading up to Fayetteville to see the Hogs, “It was pretty good. I liked their pancakes. I like their coaches; they seem to get along with their players and care about their players. Their academics, they told us a lot about that. Everyone of their players that graduated have been successful.”
Holding an opportunity from the Tigers, Murdock covered his Columbia trip.
“That was a pretty good visit,” Murdock shared. “I like the coaches there; they seem connected with their players. I liked their players; they seem like they get along well.”
In addition to being a standout on the gridiron, Murdock also competes in the 100, 200, 4×100 relay, and the 4×200 relay and is now picking up competitive swimming.