Former blue-chip recruit and Texas A&M star Kyler Murray transferred to Oklahoma to play two sports, but is he smart to stick to football — for now?
When Baker Mayfield heard his name called No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, he felt good about where he left Oklahoma. The program was in good hands thanks to Lincoln Riley and his former backup, Kyler Murray.
The junior quarterback showed flashes of brilliance in 2017, passing for 359 yards and three touchdowns with an 86 percent completion rate — he had as many incompletions as touchdown passes last season.
Formerly a Texas A&M signee, Murray played his freshman season with the Aggies, passing for 686 yards and five touchdowns, but struggled with his vision and decision-making, throwing seven interceptions. He shocked everyone when he announced his transfer to Oklahoma, but the Sooners picked up one of the nation’s top 2015 recruits and a perfect replacement for Mayfield.
On Monday evening, Murray was faced with a huge decision which could cost him millions of dollars. He was drafted No. 9 overall by the Oakland Athletics in the 2018 MLB Draft. He was guaranteed a big contract with the A’s and their minor league system, but reports are indicating that he’s planning on returning to Oklahoma football for his junior season.
Is this the right choice?
For him, it’s the obvious one. He has played minimal snaps of college ball and he could become one of the top quarterbacks in the nation this upcoming season. However, his size could hinder his chances to play quarterback in the NFL as he stands just 5-10 and weighs in at 192 pounds.
Murray will be a top MLB prospect next year as well, making this decision to return to the Sooners to play football this season a smart one. He could help lead them to the College Football Playoff and even contend for the Heisman Trophy.
Next: Way-too-early 2019 NFL Mock Draft
Baseball may be in his future, but for now, he wants to continue being a college kid and live his first season as a full-time starting quarterback.