Michael Murphy, Fenwick High School - Class Of 2026, LB, 6'0" 210lbs

jennycz27
Aug 26
3 min read

By: Jenny

Every Football Player Has A Story To Tell

Michael Murphy, Fenwick High School, Class of 2026

Michael, the season is here-what can we expect from Fenwick this season?

You can expect a tough team that will not back down from everyone. A team that will play through the whistle. A that will play fast and physical with 11 hats to the ball on every play.

Game 1 against DePaul College Prep, who won state this past year? How is the team feeling heading into this game?

We are ready to go. Coming off a tough loss last year with a chip on our shoulder. There’s no better way to start a season going against a state champ from the previous year. We know what we are capable of doing this year and it should be a good test week 1, Everyone is locked in and ready to go.

You had a good junior season. What were you working on over the off season?

I was focused on getting faster and stronger throughout the offseason. I feel like I have accomplished that and I am ready to put it on the field. But I have really studied in the film room, looking at what I can improve on with certain reads and techniques so I can fly around and make plays.

How would you describe your roll on the team?

I would say that I have stepped into a role as a leader on this team. I was able to follow in the footsteps of a great leader and linebacker last year in Jack Paris, but now I am ready to take a step up and lead this team.

What’s your favorite part of the defense? Stopping the run, rushing the passer or dropping back in coverage?

For me, it’s stopping the run. I love to come down hill and hit. But rushing the passer is obviously fun too because it’s always fun to lay a hit on the quarterback.

Is there a game on the schedule that you are looking forward to the most?

Obviously I’m looking forward to DePaul you know, week 1, first Friday night lights. Nothing beats it. But OPRF week 2 is a cross town rivalry game so I am looking forward to that. Then week 3 is a game that I think that we should have won last year against Joliet Catholic. Week 4 is our defensive coordinator’s game against the team he coached last year (Montini), so I am excited for that one. Then, obviously week 8 at Mount Carmel. The #1 team in the state at their place with an opportunity to shock the state.

How has your recruiting been going? Did you go to any camps or college visits this year?

I have had a couple of coaches reach out to me. But last year I feel like I didn’t put my best stuff on film so I am ready for this year and ready to prove what I can do on the field. I went to the North Central camp this past summer.

What would you like a college coach to know about you?

I’ll do anything for team no matter what. And no matter what, I will outwork everyone in the room.

Who is the toughest/best player you’ve played against?

Honestly, I would have to go with either Jack Paris or Tommy Thies. Even though we are on the same team they bring it every time we go against each other.

If there is one person on the team that you think will have a breakout season this year, who would be?

I would have to go with Raphiel Stewart (WR). I think on the defensive side you can see Aiden Williams have a breakout year. He was a starter then tore his ACL in practice before we played Montini, so I know he’s fired up to get out there again.

EMAIL - jennycz27@me.com