Former Alabama linebacker, FSU transfer said Nick Saban’s retirement was ‘like a bomb’

Count former Alabama linebacker Shawn Murphy as one of the people completely caught off guard by the retirement of legendary coach Nick Saban.

When Saban announced his retirement on Jan. 10, he told Alabama players at the same time news started leaking nationally. It caught Murphy and his teammates at the time off guard.

Murphy is one of five former Crimson Tide players to transfer to Florida State this offseason.

“Honestly, I had no idea because Nick Saban was going to retire. It’s kind of like a bomb when it happened,” Murphy said at a newcomer press conference Thursday.

“I was taken by surprise, I didn’t know it was going to happen. I don’t think any of us knew it was going to happen. When it happened, we were all caught off guard. But he’s got to do what’s best for him at the end of the day. I am happy for him and I love what he’s doing now. He’s enjoying life.”

ESPN announced Saban would be joining Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, Lee Corso and Desmond Howard on ESPN’s “College GameDay” desk each Saturday, on Wednesday.

Why Shawn Murphy picked FSU football

Apr 16, 2022; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; White offensive lineman Jaeden Roberts (77) blocks as Crimson linebacker Shawn Murphy (43) rushes during the A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

While Saban did what was best for himself, Murphy did as well. The linebacker was mostly a reserve with the Crimson Tide in his first two seasons, recording recorded three tackles in 13 games this past season.

Murphy entered the portal two days later on Jan. 13. Two days later, he visited Tallahassee and committed to the Seminoles.

“With Florida State, I already knew that was one of the schools if I were to enter that would be one of the schools I would take interest in, along with a couple of others,” Murphy said. “But I feel like…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/former-alabama-linebacker-fsu-transfer-200053809.html

Author : Tallahassee Democrat

Publish date : 2024-02-08 20:00:53

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.