Senior WR Murry still moving up in Buccaneers' record book

Few members of the Charleston Southern football program have been as consistent and steady as senior receiver Markus Murry.

Murry, who grew up on Chicago's South Side, has been a key performer for the Buccaneers football program throughout his four years. He will graduate in May with a degree in computer engineering.

"Getting out of the city and going to college was very important to me and my family," said Murry. "Getting an education was my first priority, and football was my means to the education. I grew up in a rough neighborhood. Not a lot of people get a chance to go to college. Some of my friends went to college but dropped out. I was determined to not be one of those guys."

Murry enters Saturday's game against Presbyterian with 111 career receptions, third among all receivers at CSU. His 1,540 receiving yards is fourth best in school history. He has 10 touchdown receptions, and one more will move him into fourth place in the school record books.

The 5-10, 185-pounder was recruited out of high school by Michigan State and Illinois. Ron Zook was completing his first season at Illinois and told Murry he might offer a scholarship if some other players turned him down. While waiting on the offer, CSU got involved and coach Jay Mills offered Murry after seeing film.

"I wanted to go to college so bad and I needed a football scholarship to help get there, so when CSU offered, I was ready to go," said Murry. "I wasn't even sure where Charleston was but I knew I could not pass on the opportunity. I'm so glad I made the decision to come here. It's been a great place for me to grow up and become a man."

Murry is one of CSU's team captains this season, a responsibility he takes as serious as running routes. He credits former CSU players like quarterback Collin Drafts for helping him survive his early days as a college player and feels he owes that same leadership to his teammates.

"I take my role as a team leader very seriously," he said. "I want to be someone that the younger guys can look to for advice. I love being a leader on this team. I had some great guys look after me when I was a freshman and sophomore, and I have to be the same type of leader for these guys. I have tremendous pride and love for the program, and I want to see it grow even after I am gone."

As a freshman, Murry caught the game-tying touchdown with no time on the clock in CSU's Big South conference title-winning game against Coastal Carolina. The Bucs went on to win the game in double overtime, but it was Murry's catch that set the table. As proud as he is of his role in CSU football history, Murry would rather be remembered for something bigger and better.

"What I'm most proud of in terms of accomplishments is graduating in May," Murry said. "I could have gone my entire career without ever catching a pass, but graduating with a college degree is something I will forever be proud of."

Next week will be the final home game for CSU's seniors, and Murry can't hide his excitement. It will be the first time in his four years that his parents will see him play.

"They have spent the last four years taking care of our family, my brother and my sister, and that's the way it should be," said Murry. "It just wasn't possible for them to get down here. I can't wait to look up and see them up there in the stands. It will be very emotional for all of us. Aside from getting my degree, that will be my proudest moment."