Murphy ready to size up new challenges at West Virginia State

COAL GROVE — There’s an old saying that good things come in small packages.

In the case of Kaden Murphy, that package isn’t really that small and great things have been coming from it.

The Coal Grove Hornets record-setting All-Ohio running back has done big things and plans to do even more after signing a letter-of-intent on Monday with the NCAA Division 2 West Virginia State Yellow Jackets.

One factor that has always plagued Murphy is the size stigma. Murphy is just 5-foot-9, but he weighs 200 pounds and bench presses 405 pounds while running 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

“I’d be stronger and faster no matter how big the other players were,” said Murphy.

“There’s going to be a big different. There’s going to be a big size difference. The line at State averages about 6-5, 300. Lines from around here where we play were not near as big. Every once in a while you’d see a 6-4, 240.”

When talking about the good things Murphy has accomplished, the adjective goes from good to great.

Murphy, he not only had a brilliant senior season but an impressive career for the Hornets.

Voted the Southeast Division 5 Offensive Player of the Year by the Ohio Prep Media Sports Association, Murphy ran 202 times for 1,878 yards — a 9.3 yards per carry average — and scored 28 touchdowns during the regular season.

Including the one playoff game, Murphy finished with 2,000 rushing yards.

Murphy was the leading rushing for all Division 5 teams in Ohio, sixth overall in all divisions, was first in touchdowns for all Division 5 teams and seventh overall for all divisions.

A first team All-Ohio selection, Murphy ran for more than 5,600 yards in his career.

He was not only a two-time first team all-district player and two-time All-Ohio selection, he was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year.

He was not only a two-time first team all-district player and two-time All-Ohio selection, he was named the Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year.

When talking records, Murphy said the main goal was always winning.

“Winning the OVC stands out the most. That’s the first time we’ve won the OVC since 2017. Maybe running for 2,000 yards was something. That’s been a goal since my freshman year. I was the third person in school history to run for over 2,000 yards,” said Murphy.

Hornets head coach Jay Lucas said Murphy is everything you want in a football player on and off the field.

“Kaden Murphy is a tremendous young man and football player. His work ethic coupled with his desire to be successful has really allowed him to excel at everything he does,” said Lucas.

“Kaden does nothing at half speed or half way. He knows one speed and it’s all out.”

Among the schools that Murphy entertained were Ohio University, Eastern Kentucky, Morehead State, Bowling Green, Ashland, Thomas More.

“It’s closer to home and they gave me a better offer than the other schools,” said Murphy.

Murphy has two older sisters, Kasey and Kaleigh, who both signed with West Virginia State to play softball. He said that was a small part of his decision.

“I have an honest understanding from the school, too. I had two sisters who went there and they told me if it was a good place or not,” said Murphy.

But going from high school to the college level will be an adjustment and Murphy is getting prepared.

“I’m excited and ready to go,” said Murphy. “I’m going to work my butt off from day one and hopefully get a starting spot early.“They have two backs in the portal, one was hurt all year, and a freshman who ran for like 500 yards. We’re about the same but he’s about 20 pounds lighter.”

Lucas said he has no doubts that Murphy will succeed at the next level.

“We have been together since he was in the sixth grade most every day in the weight room. I love him like my own and am so, so proud of him,” said Lucas. “I know he will be successful in this next phase of his career.”

One side career Murphy has taken up is officiating little league and middle school basketball. He has taken instruction classes and is a registered official.

“I’m going to stay at middle school or elementary school. That’s where he money is. In high school, you can only do one game a night,” said Murphy.

“It’s easy. I go to Rock Hill, South Point, Coal Grove. I made almost $1,200 this week.”

Murphy did play basketball his freshman year and he has also ran track and played baseball. But he has been playing football since the first grade and it has always been his first choice.

“Football just comes more naturally for me. The instincts of cutting are more natural over any other sport,” said Murphy.

And that’s something you don’t find in many packages.