Michigan On Top in Hollywood Hills

Hollywood Hills FL DE Clarence Murphy made his way to Ann Arbor with teammate Tony Grimes in an official capacity over the weekend to visit the Wolverines. The visit made a tremendous impact on the 2010 prospects, and put the Wolverines in strong shape to say the least.

Clarence Murphy had long since had a strong view on the Wolverines. Watching his Hollywood Hills teammate, Tony Grimes, receive offers and attention from all over, including the Wolverines, Murphy had pined for a Michigan offer. Well, he got one a while back, and since then has been waiting to see Ann Arbor for himself. He got the chance this past weekend when Michigan hosted Ohio State.

“The visit went great,” Murphy told GoBlueWolverine. “It was my second official visit. It went like a normal visit you know, just hanging out with the players and the coaches and some academic people. I had a great time.”

Having a great time may actually be an understatement for the defensive end. After the visit, Murphy stated adamantly that the Wolverines stood alone at the top of his recruiting list.

“Oh, they are at the top, most definitely. We’re (Murphy and Grimes) just going to wait it out, and take all of our visits and then we’ll make that decision on Signing Day.”

It has long since been known that the pair would head to the same school together, and when Murphy was pressed as to whether it was fair to say Michigan led for Grimes as well, he had a simple statement.

“Yes, sir.”

Several factors have gone into the Maize and Blue grabbing the pole position for the pair, and part of it is the coaching factor, which was only enhanced on the official visit.

“I got to sit down with the D-line coach and he was just telling me about the performance in the game, and how he can make us better. He talked about Brandon Graham’s season, and how he’s going to need me to come in and fill that spot.”

Another major factor in the process is the atmosphere and overall fandom that is held in Ann Arbor for Wolverine football.

“The atmosphere is great, and walking onto the field for the game was great. Seeing all the fans, and knowing they are coming out to see you play. A few people actually knew me and talked to me in the stands. It made me feel really welcomed and loved.”

While they may not realize it, those anonymous fans who took the time to let Murphy know their feelings didn’t see the impact it had and how much it helped Murphy feel home.

“Yes, it definitely did (help). I was actually kind of surprised. But at the same time, it felt great, knowing they knew me and wanted me to come in and do big things.”

So while recruiting fans will have to patiently wait to see where this package deal will wind up in February, Murphy has a couple plans of his own for the next two or so months before the letter of intent day.

“Right now, I’m just going to see how everything goes. Football season just wrapped up, and we've got basketball. I know we’re planning on going to Oregon when they come through with my offer, but after that I don’t know.”