Murray says he hasn't ruled out football career
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Kyler Murray, selected ninth overall in last June's MLB Draft by the Athletics, is preparing to play for Oklahoma against defending national champion Alabama in Saturday's College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Capital One Orange Bowl in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback spoke at a media session Thursday, indicating he has not ruled out the notion of playing in the NFL.
"It's never bad to have options, but right now my main focus is this game," said Murray, who also said his mindset with respect to playing in the Majors hasn't changed since inking a contract with Oakland that includes a $4.6 million signing bonus.
Murray's agent, Scott Boras, told Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports that Murray will be in Major League camp with the A's starting Feb. 10 and will not be working out for football teams.
According to an ESPN report, Oklahoma's assistant head coach Shane Beamer said Murray's ability compares to that of former NFL quarterback Michael Vick, particularly with his speed, accuracy and arm strength. Offensive coordinator Cale Gundy told ESPN that a scout he spoke with said Murray would be a first-round selection if he entered the NFL Draft.
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Murray, a center fielder on the baseball diamond, put together one of the greatest seasons by a quarterback in college football history after he and the A's agreed he would play one more season for the Sooners. He totaled 4,053 passing yards and 40 touchdowns, being intercepted only seven times. He also rushed for 892 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Come Saturday, Murray will try to lead Oklahoma into the national championship game. His sole focus will surely be on making that a reality. But he has certainly had a lot to weigh as the end of his collegiate career approaches.
"You try to tell yourself it will be easy," Murray said of emotionally juggling the potentiality of playing professionally in two different sports. " ... I'd be lying if I said I didn't expect to have success on the baseball field and the football field."