2022 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 37 Days (Mark Murphy)

Written by: Zach Greene

Welcome,  Hoosiers fans to the 2022 Hoosier Huddle Countdown! We countdown from 100 days to the beginning of the 2022 Indiana University football season on September 2nd against the Fighting Illini. Today we dive into one of the all time great IU Football Players In Mark Murphy.

Name: Mark Murphy

Hometown: St.Vincent-St.Mary

Position: Safety

Year: Graduated in 2014

Height/Weight: 6-2/215

A standout and huge piece of the growing IU football program Murphy, started from Day One once getting to Bloomington. In his first season (2011) he finished second on the team with 76 tackles and had 31 yard pick six. He was productive in every game that season and showed grit and willingness to do whatever it took to win.

The following season, he started in 11 out of 12 games  making 70 tackles, 49 of which were solo. He had a fumble recovery scored for a touchdown against Penn State. He received three honors including Indiana's Academic Excellence Award, Capital One Academic All-District V team member, and Academic All-Big Ten selection. 

His junior season was even more productive. He started in 11 out of 12 games tallying 84 tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception. He’s biggest games came against the biggest opponents. In 2013 they upset Penn State, No.17 Wisconsin and in-state rival Purdue.

His final season started out with a bang. Returning a 47 yard interception for a touchdown against Penn State. Again, his biggest games came against the best opponents. He led his team to an upset win over No.18 Missouri. Rounding out his career at IU, he earned Capital One Academic All-American, and IU's Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree.

Murphy showed exactly what it meant to be a Hoosier. He was a leader who put the work in and it paid off. Murphy was a leader on the field as well as a role model. His teams weren’t the best but that didn’t matter to him. He was always going to be a hard worker and give it his all.