'I just want to get the guy healthy': Texas QB Maalik Murphy still dealing with injury
In the 2021 CIF Division 1-A state championship, then-Gardena (Calif.) Serra quarterback Maalik Murphy suffered an ankle injury during the Cavaliers’ title game win. He enrolled at Texas a few weeks later, but was very limited during spring practice while recovering from the injury.
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Then, ahead of the UTSA game in September of 2022, Sarkisian was asked about Murphy and the state of his development. Sarkisian offered the following blunt response: “he’s not healthy.”
Murphy’s health improved enough throughout the rest of the year for him to rise to the backup quarterback role in the wake of Hudson Card’s departure. It was expected that Murphy would elevate the competition in the quarterback room that currently features incumbent starter Quinn Ewers and Five-Star Plus+ freshman Arch Manning.
But during the viewing period of Monday’s first spring practice, Murphy did not participate in any drills. Following the first of 15 practices, Sarkisian described Murphy as being one of several Longhorns who would be limited during spring drills.
“Maalik Murphy is still nursing a little bit with his foot, so we’re being mindful of that,” Sarkisian said.
Sarkisian did not offer any details as to whether it was the same foot or injury that hampered Murphy upon his arrival at Texas.
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With the structure of Texas’ spring practices this year — three prior to spring break and the remaining 12 after — Sarkisian said he hopes the extra time for recovery allows Murphy and others to be in a position to compete on the field upon their return from vacation.
In Sarkisian’s mind, when Murphy is on the field, it’s a sight to see. At this point, however, it’s been a rare sight.
“I just want to get the guy healthy,” Sarkisian said. “When he is healthy, he’s really talented. He’s very good. He’s a great teammate. He has natural leadership qualities about him that I want him to be able to show on a consistent basis on the field. He’ll be in the mix when he can get back.”
Murphy was a four-star prospect in the 2022 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the No. 205 overall recruit, the No. 12 quarterback, and the No. 15 player in California. On3 ranked Murphy as a three-star prospect, the No. 29 quarterback, and the No. 31 prospect in California.
