Murdock’s defense attracts scouts

Chase Murdock didn’t join Barrington’s varsity football team until his sophomore year.

Two seasons later, Murdock found himself standing inside U.S. Cellular Field July 7 with 24 other elite prospects in the state.

“It was great meeting the other guys, especially those you’ve played against and seeing where they got offers from,” said the 6-foot-1, 205-pound running back.

The senior was invited to the gathering by CBS College Sports’ Tom Lemming and will also play in the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix, Ariz., on Jan. 3.

“I love him,” said Lemming, who has been keeping his eye on Murdock the last couple of years. “He was there at the ballpark because I believe in his abilities as a running back and linebacker.”

Murdock began his football career at Barrington as a quarterback but saw more success as a running back, rushing for more than 1,000 yards last season. He also played at linebacker. At college camps, Lemming said coaches “went crazy over him,” when Murdock played the defensive position.

“Chase is a linebacker,” Lemming said. “I talked to coaches at camps. He has Division I skills as a linebacker. Barrington would be smart to play him both ways to get the most out of him. He’s already 6-1, and he runs faster than most of the running backs.”

Lemming said the Broncos would greatly benefit if they played Murdock more on defense because of Murdock’s instincts.

“By end of year, he could become on of top three linebackers in the Chicagoland area,” Lemming said.

Last season, the Broncos lost in the first round of the Class 8A playoffs and finished the season 7-2. Murdock, who sat out the loss to Glenbrook South, suffered a series of injuries throughout last season.

This season, his goal is to help the Broncos win a the conference title, then “worry about state.”

“We’re taking it one game at a time, getting ready for our first game against Libertyville,” said Murdock, whose summer consists of waking up at 5 a.m. and training until 11 a.m., Monday through Friday.

He already has a full offer from Northern Illinois and expects to hear from Western Michigan and Iowa.

“Iowa would be the dream school,” Murdock said. “I have a good relationship with the coaches, and I love the school. My trainer went to Iowa, and he told me how much he liked it.”

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