2026 Edge Donovan Murphy Talks UMass Commitment
The Minutemen landed a powerful Maryland pass rusher in the form of Donovan Murphy following a successful official visit
Donovan Murphy was a man with few words when speaking to the Minuteman Command.
He had a direct message and a drawn out plan for his future in Amherst.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder, committed to UMass on June 23rd after receiving an offer from the Minutemen weeks prior.
Some of the premier programs in the country were interested in the Glenarden, Md., native. Despite Murphy not reporting offers from schools to the public, he did reveal his attendance to multiple camps at Minnesota, West Virginia and Maryland. He had his eye on other SEC and ACC schools as well, but ended up committing to the Minutemen project.
“I was looking at mainly South Carolina and Virginia Tech,” Murphy told the Minuteman Command. “I committed to UMass because they would give me an opportunity to play more and they were consistently talking to me over time.”
Murphy attends Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Md., and competes for his football team mainly as an edge rusher. He is incredibly athletic for his massive frame, and has a unique ability to swiftly get to the quarterback. He does most of his work attacking the left tackle, effectively bothering the quarterback's blindside for consistent portions of the game.
“I’m a quicker edge that likes to use my speed a lot,” he said. “I can use my power a little bit, but speed is my strong suit for sure.”
That skill is probably what his recruiter Kayon Whitaker, UMass’ assistant defensive ends coach, saw. He emphasized his connection with Whitaker and all the other Minutemen coaches throughout the recruiting process, especially after his official visit.
“The official visit went really well,” Murphy said. “The coaching staff did a great job with my family and I. They definitely had a plan for me.”
Along with the coaching staff, current UMass linebacker Rashad Henry was Murphy’s host for the visit. He appreciated Henry’s attempt to explain the ins and outs of UMass because of the experience he has had in the past with the program.
In any defensive coordinator’s defense, versatility is a boost. Murphy has the ability to provide that for UMass’ defensive coordinator Jared Keyte. He can play more of an inside role in unique schemes, proving his versatility. His pass rush is an obvious strength, but he also pointed out other parts of his game which need growth.
“I need to improve on being in the run game a little bit more,” Murphy said. “I can use my power a little bit but speed is my strong suit.”
A man who will help him improve is Minutemen defensive line coach Nyeem Wartman. Wartman has been an instrumental part in the recruitment of the 2026 class. Along with many other recruits, Murphy felt a connection with Wartman and new head coach Joe Harasymiak.
“I like how Coach Wartman has a relationship with me, not just with football, but also with life,” Murphy said. “I like how he interacts with his players.
“Coach Harasymiak is also a good guy and wants the best for everyone in the program. He just wants everybody to do good in life in general.”
Murphy zeroed in on Harasymiak as the main reason for the commitment.
“They just kept it real with me,” Murphy said. “I had a great relationship with Coach Harasymiak. It was just a great opportunity for me.”
Murphy had one overarching message on the legacy he hopes to one day leave with the Minutemen.
“(I want people to know) that I’m a great person. I love to interact with people and want to succeed at anything I do. I want to just be great at football and hopefully get to the NFL. I want to have a great plan for the future.”
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