Murrell takes next step in fulfilling dream in signing with Bluffton

PEDRO — “If your heart is in your dream

No request is too extreme

When you wish upon a star

As dreamers do”

The words are from the song “When You Wish Upon a Star” sung by Jimmy Cricket —in real life Cliff Edwards — from the movie Pinocchio.

Brady Murrell may not have ever heard the song or even seen the classic Disney movie, but he fully believes in what the lyrics say.

The Rock Hill senior running back realized his dream of playing college football when he signed a letter-of-intent to play for the Bluffton University Beavers.

And Murrell had some words of advice for other players.

“I just want to let kids at a small school to know that this is proof they can do this. College isn’t out of the equation just because you’re coming from a small area,” said Murrell.

“If you believe in your dreams and want to accomplish whatever you want, you can do it.”

The 6-foot, 185-pound Murrell ran for more than 800 yards last season and was a key figure in the team’s 8-4 record and a second straight Division 6 playoff appearance.

Murrell said he looked at several schools but narrowed his decision down to Ohio Northern, Wilmington College, Muskingum University and Bluffton.

“When I visited Bluffton, it felt like it could be a nice home for me. I liked the culture of the team and the coaches made me feel at home,” said Murrell.

An NCAA Division 3 program, Bluffton is a member of Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference and is led by second-year head coach Chris Hedden. The Beavers were 5-5 last season and 3-3 in the HCAC.

Murrell said that assistant coach Jimmy Hopper reached out to several schools and found Bluffton and gave the information to Murrell who contacted the school. Hopper was Murrell’s outside linebacker coach.

“He was a big part in my college process,” said Murrell.

Going to the next level and playing in a different system will be a big adjustment, said Murrell.

“They do more of a passing than rushing offense. Rock Hill was more rushing dominated, but they’re more 50/50 up there. They adjust. Whatever works, works,” said Murrell.

“I feel like I follow my blockers really well and I can read the defense really well. I’d like to improve upon getting to that second level and break away. I don’t get much passing action. I got a couple and it worked out well.”

Murrell said he is open to whatever the coaching staff asks of him including playing on special teams.

“I want to get there and show my coaches I can play football, I can do this. I’m not going to just walk in and want it. I’m going to get competition. I want to show I can do this,” said Murrell.

After playing the past three seasons at Raceland, Ky., before moving to Ohio, Murrell said he enjoyed his senior year.

“I only played here one year. It was the best experience of my life. My teammates, my coaches, the fans, my family, my friends all supported me,” said Murrell.

“That’s God ’s gift and I’m grateful. Without the talent God gave me, I wouldn’t be here. All glory to Him.”

Murrell plans to major in physical therapy.