Murphy Named Bowden Award Finalist

Mark Murphy's success on and off the field has garnered him another award recognition. Image Source: IDSNews.com

Written By T.J. Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Indiana University safety Mark Murphy has been named a finalist for the Seminole Tribe of Florida Bobby Bowden Award. Baylor quarterback Bryce Petty and Ole Miss defensive lineman D.T. Shackleford are the other two finalists. The award will be presented on Sunday, January 11 at the College Championship breakfast in Dallas. The award, named after legendary former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden recognizes the Football Bowl Subdivision player who epitomizes a student-athlete by conducting himself as a model both on, and off, the field. It’s easy to see why Murphy is being strongly considered.

The senior safety was a consistent contributor in the Indiana secondary and finished his career with 279 tackles (174 solo), seven tackles for loss, four interceptions, two INT touchdown returns and nine pass breakups. He started 11 games as a senior and finished the season with 49 tackles (2.5 TFLs), two INTs and one touchdown. Murphy was a four-time game captain and was named IU’s Defensive Player of the Week for his performances against Penn State and Missouri.

This latest honor adds to an impressive list for the two-time Capital-One Academic All-American. Murphy is one of 17 National Football Foundation National Scholar-Athletes, one of 30 finalists for the Senior CLASS Award and a finalist for the 2014 William V. Campbell Trophy.