NFL Draft Profile: Raiders Select UCF Running Back Latavius Murray
By Jason Marcum
November 24, 2012; Orlando, FL, USA; UCF Knights running back Latavius Murray (28) runs with the ball during the second half of the game against the UAB Blazers at Bright House Networks Stadium. The Knights defeated the Blazers 49-24. Mandatory Credit: Rob Foldy-USA TODAY Sports
Latavius Murray, Running Back, University of Central Florida
HEIGHT: 6’2 5/8″
WEIGHT: 225 lbs
HANDS: 9 1/8″
ARM LENGTH: 33-1/4″
40-TIME: 4.38
VERTICAL: 36″
While Conference USA isn’t know for shoveling out NFL talent to the degree of any BCS conference, it’s still produced a number of quality running backs over the years, including Ahmad Bradshaw, Kevin Smith, Deangelo Williams, Chris Johnson, and Matt Forte. Central Freida’s Latavius Murray is looking to become the latest back to come out of C-USA and make an impact in the NFL.
Over the past two seasons, Murray went 407 carries at Central Florida without losing a fumble, including this past season when he carried the ball 198 times for 1106 yard (5.6 ypc) and 15 touchdowns. He also showed he can be a receiving threat in today’s pass-happy NFL, snagging 27 balls for 231 yards (8.6) and another four scores. He was the UCF offense, and teams still found it difficult to slow down the 6’3″ 225 lb back, who knows the importance of not putting the ball on the turf:
"I guess I just have always understood the ball is important; playing another down is important. You always want the extra yard, to give your team a little something extra, to get everything you can out of a run. But you have to finish with the ball in your hands, and I think ball security on every play.You don’t want to be that guy who puts the ball on the ground. You’re probably coming out if you do, and I wanted to stay in. I always want to stay in."
LT, as his teammates called him, was actually an H-back until the beginning of the 201 season when he was switched to running back full-time, though did line up there at times during the 2012 season. Perhaps he can play the H-back at the NFL level in order to get on the field more. He also has the measurables and skills to play fullback at the next level. As long as he’s drafted into the right system with an offensive coordinator who knows how to use him properly, Murray should be able to contribute to a team in a multitude of ways.
As for who’s looking at potentially drafting him, he’s likely meeting with the Bengals today after tweeting out a picture of him in Cincinnati on Wednesday night.
Strengths
Great north-south runner who shows great burst to the hole.
Despite poor offensive line, rarely loses yardage as he fights for every yard.
Will shows patience to let his blocks develop.
Doesn’t shy from contact. Will stay in-bounds and take extra hits just to get 1-2 extra yards.
Consistently run through arm tackles.
Good pass-blocker.
Weaknesses
Tends to dance in the backfield waiting for blocks to develop.
Has good initial burst, but lacks that extra gear to breakaway from NFL-level defenders.
Durability concerns: Missed three games in 2012 after suffering a bruised shoulder against Akron in Week 1.
Was medically redshirted in 2009 after tearing his ACL and LCL while playing pick-up basketball before the season.
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