On Murphy: Senior who could become a factor in his final collegiate season … should benefit from a full off-season of knowing he will play tight end … has shifted between tight end and defensive line the past two seasons ... has good hands and speed (4.76 40-yard dash) … is the second strongest tight end in school history with a 674 strength index … also has a 35-inch vertical jump … listed as a co-No. 1 on the depth chart heading into the season along with Jeff Dugan and Eric James (starting tight end will depend mostly on offensive formation).

2000 (Junior): Saw action both on the defensive line and at tight end during his junior campaign … appeared in all 11 games, making one start at defensive end (Virginia) … moved back to his normal tight end position for the latter portion of the season … did not have any receptions … had two assisted tackles … missed spring practice due to surgery on both shoulders.

1999 (Sophomore): Shifted from tight end to defensive end early in the season … first saw action in game two vs. Western Carolina … had one tackle against West Virginia and another vs. North Carolina.

1998 (Redshirt Freshman): Played in six straight games to end the season while shuffling with Eric James as the Terps' backup tight end … saw greater playing time as the season progressed … caught no passes.

1997 (Freshman): Redshirt season.

High School: Graduated from New Haven High School in 1997 ... named All-Met by the Detroit Free-Press after playing six positions (FB, TE, WR, DE, LB, DT) ... recorded 80 tackles as a senior ... had a 3.3 GPA.

Personal: Matthew Jarrid Murphy was born February 23, 1980 ... son of Dawn and Michael Murphy ... his uncle, Dwight Lee, was an All-American at Michigan State ... majoring in criminology and criminal justice.

Murphy Up Close
Someday I would like to take a trip to: Ireland
My ideal pre-game ritual is: To sleep
If I could spend a day with anybody, it would be: Mr. T
One word to describe Coach Friedgen: Focused
The best thing about game day is: The atmosphere

Matt Murphy Class: RS Senior Hometown: New Haven, Mich. High School: New Haven Height / Weight: 6-5 / 255 Position: Tight End Birthdate: 02/23/1980 Experience: 3V