Najee Murray 2012 Ohio State Corner Back Scholarship Commitment

Najee Murray from Steubenville, Ohio was the eighth commitment for Ohio State for their 2012 recruiting class. The 5’1” defensive back has great speed, clocked at 4.41, and excellent tackling skills. He joins De’Van Bogard and Tyvis Powell in the defensive backfield for the Buckeyes in 2012. Recruited by a number of Mid-American Conference schools, the offer from Ohio State was too much to overcome for any other program.

By Steve Patterson

We contacted Murray recently and asked him about his play on the field. “My best attributes as a football player are speed, tackling, and fast footwork.” he told us about his ability to make plays in the defensive backfield.

He mentioned one game that stood out during his first three years at Steubenville. “The highlight of my high school career is definitely the win over Massillon my sophomore year.” Massillon is a powerhouse program in North-eastern Ohio.

Recruited by and offered scholarships from Akron, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Indiana, Kent State, Miami (OH), Ohio University, and Toledo, Murray has been able to visit four schools in addition to Ohio State. “College visits I have made are Kent State, Toledo, Notre Dame, Cincinnati, and Ohio State. The coaches at Kent State and Toledo were very nice. Cincinnati had nice facilities and a good coaching staff. Notre Dame had a great campus. I enjoyed being up there.”

He was looking for what many of the major programs across the country offer students athletes. “I was looking for a lot in a college football program such as a great coaching staff, good tradition, nice facilities to workout in. I was looking for a college with a high academic level and a nice campus. Somewhere I can feel comfortable at.”

But the in-state Buckeyes were the first to offer with everything he wanted in a college. “I love everything about Ohio State! It's an exceptional school with a great, well-known sports program. I am honored that Coach Fickell wants me to play for him and I am looking forward for next year! Go bucks!”