Armando Murillo Should Bring His 'A' Game
9 comments so far
April 11, 2008 by
Jacksonville Jaguar defensive coordinator (and former Redskin and Titan coordinator) Gregg Williams has said the two most important things a football player needs to be are available and accountable. It's hard to say whether or not Murillo was accountable last season, but he was definitely available. Murillo started all twelve games last season, one of only three Husker players to do so.
But that's why accountability will be so important. Murillo was considered a big-time talent when he was recruited. Scout.com indicates he was offered by Oklahoma (among other schools). This year will be the last chance for him to make the kind of impression he'll need to have an opportunity to play in the NFL. He certainly won't have the pros coming for him based on last season.
But thanks to the arrival of Bo Pelini, he still has a chance to make an NFL dream happen. Unlike Andre Jones, who was also a big-time recruit and was reportedly offered a scholarship by USC (and others), Murillo still has a year to play. But Jones had the misfortune to be a part of a defense that wasn't altogether healthy (how's that for understatement?). Perhaps because of it, he gained little attention nationally (little positive attention anyway) and now would be lucky to catch on as an unsigned free agent in the NFL.
If the Huskers are to have a successful season, they'll likely need Murillo to hold down a cornerback spot all season long and he'll likely be asked to cover the opposition's best receiver. While the offense may be defined by the play of Joe Ganz, the secondary and perhaps the entire defense could be defined by the play of Murillo. So for himself, for the team, and perhaps in some ways for Andre Jones, Murillo will need to bring his 'A' game next season. Otherwise, a December spent in Shreveport (or worse, at home) will be a real possibility. And he could be spending next April polishing a resume instead of preparing for the draft.
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darren Apr 11 08
Great points, Steve. Murillo isn't a player we have heard much - or anything - about during Spring ball. Is the lack of a storyline a sign of consistent play or a cause for concern?
Having a true #1 corner means a TON for this defense, especially with Blue on the mend. The Big 12 is full of big-time playmakers on the outside. Murillo will need to be the man, indeed.
carlinthemarlin Apr 11 08
I think Murillo did a pretty good job last year, but it the rest of the defense was so garbage you'd never know it. The reason I say this is because he rarely seemed to show up in opposing teams highlights. He was almost never the guy missing a tackle, or letting a receiver blow past him on the way to the endzone. Was he perfect, no. But who is. I think he looked pretty lock down. You almost never saw QB's throw his way, and when they did, he'd bat it down at least half the time. I think with Sanders as his position coach, he's going to turn a lot of heads this year.
Or it's just Spring and I'm splurging on koolaid while I can. One or the other.
Greg Morrow Apr 11 08
Marvin Sanders replacing Elmassian is probably the single biggest upgrade besides Ron Brown over Rudolph as tightend coach. That type of knowledge, leadership and genuine encouragement is what guys like Andre Jones were deprived of. That's back.
So, you might anticipate Murillo having the same level of improvement as Pat Ricketts had as a 5th year walkon, in '03. You'll recall that he was a fine corner that year, opposite of Fabian.
Guys getting the opportunity to reach their college potential, all the way around!
cvldfg Apr 13 08
One area that will definitely benefit Murillo the most, because of the hiring of BO, is the D-Line.
BO's style of D is to get into the backfield as soon as possible. And, any good DB will tell you it is the pressure of the D-Line that makes their jobs much easier. If BO can maximize the D-Line's talent and get pressure ASAP, Murillo could have a break out year with his talent.
Jason Apr 14 08
On a related note, read this story from the LJS on why NU's cornerbacks don't tend to turn around and play the ball.
doombob Apr 14 08
I would be more confident about turning around and looking for the ball if I knew that I had safety help over the top. You've got to know when to make sure the WR is tackled immediately versus making a play on the ball. If a corner knows his safety is playing help, he can attempt to make an interception when he thinks the safety can light up the receiver with a big hit.
romey Jun 24 08
he's one of the best athletes ive ever seen and he will prove it this year. He was clearly over coached last year. He and zack bowman played for the same junior college coach and was the better corner of the two whach was stated by the coach
romey Jun 24 08
he's one of the best athletes ive ever seen and he will prove it this year. He was clearly over coached last year. He and zack bowman played for the same junior college coach and was the better corner of the two whach was stated by the coach
romey Jun 24 08
he's one of the best athletes ive ever seen and he will prove it this year. He was clearly over coached last year. He and zack bowman played for the same junior college coach and was the better corner of the two whach was stated by the coach