Nick Saban, an FSU transfer and former Alabama linebacker, described his retirement as “like a bomb.”
This summer, five former Crimson Tide players have transferred to Florida State, including Murphy. Since Nick Saban was retiring, to be honest, I had no idea. During a press conference for newcomers on Thursday, Murphy compared it to a bomb going off.
“I wasn’t prepared for that to happen, so I was caught off guard. None of us, I believe, anticipated this outcome. We were all surprised when it occurred. However, in the end, he must act in his own best interests. I’m thrilled for him and adore what he’s been up to lately. He’s having fun with life.”
On Wednesday, ESPN revealed that Saban would be working on ESPN’s “College GameDay” desk every Saturday alongside Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, Lee Corso, and Desmond Howard.
Murphy acted in his own best interests as well as Saban’s. After spending his first two seasons primarily as a reserve with the Crimson Tide, the linebacker finished the previous year with three tackles in 13 games. Murphy logged in on January 13, two days later. He went to Tallahassee and made a commitment to the Seminoles two days later.
“With Florida State, I already knew that was one of the schools if I were to enter; that would be one of the schools I would take interest in, along with a couple of others,” Murphy explained. “But I feel like the year I have, I could have the most opportunity and make the biggest impact.”
Manassas, Virginia’s Murphy, a 6-foot-2, 225-pound linebacker, averaged 85.3 Pro Football Focus on 18 defensive snaps.Shawn’s arrival to the FSU football team and his ability to grow with the Nole family excites head coach Mike Norvell, according to a news release issued on January 19.
He is an excellent linebacker because of his size, agility, and toughness. On and off the field, Shawn will have a huge impact on our squad since he possesses all the qualities of a great player.Murphy declined offers from FSU, LSU, Georgia, Florida, and other universities in favor of Alabama in the 2022 recruiting class. In the cycle, he was ranked as the second linebacker and the 72nd overall recruit.
Murphy was recruited out of high school by Norvell and his staff, just like Georgia transfer and FSU legend Marvin Jones Jr. However, the attraction of playing for Alabama and Saban in the SEC made the most sense for Murphy, as Norvell had only managed an 8-13 record in his first two seasons as the Seminoles’ head coach.
Since then, the Seminoles are 23-4, including an ACC Championship won just last year. Murphy had noticed Norvell’s actions.”It holds a lot of weight, honestly, like he showed that you can stick to your word and show that your standards are very high and that you can take a team to where you want to go,” Murphy commented.
“I think honestly, for somebody at the head like that, I feel like you can go a lot of places, not just as a team, but individually.”With four other Alabama teammates accompanying him, Murphy’s move to Tallahassee has been simpler.”That makes it easier, honestly, like it makes it way easier to transition to everything going on,” stated the man.
You notice that people you know are there, and you’re not working alone. Going somewhere new and attempting to learn everything might be challenging at times. However, you may learn from and navigate life together with other teammates who experience similar things as you do.”