Now a senior, Murray has found home in Liberty’s backfield

By Jared Harmon

Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2008 | 2:27 p.m.

At his fourth school in four years, Shawn Murray, a senior running back and safety at Liberty, has found a home.

After attending Palo Verde, Bonanza and Arbor View, Murray is now enrolled at Liberty while his family looks for a permanent home. Murray was unsure what role he would be able to play on a Patriots football team that had a number of returning starters.

"It's hard coming to a new school and trying to prove yourself all over again each year," Murray said. "You have to start all over, pretty much.

"I had to get the coaches to notice me and give me a chance. (Liberty coach Lou) Markouzis was real cool, though. He gave me a shot. I like it here and I made friends on the team real quick."

If Murray's Patriot teammates had needed to be won over, his performance this year would certainly have done the trick. Despite injuring his ankle in the first quarter Sept. 5 against Valley, Murray has continued to play through the pain. In seven games, Murray has posted 504 rushing yards and four touchdowns while helping the Patriots to a 3-4 record.

"We knew when he came in he was going to be able to help us because we saw what type of athlete he was when we scrimmaged Arbor View last year," Markouzis said. "We're definitely blessed to have him. He's contributed in every game and we're looking to lean on him in these important games coming up."

Murray said it's been exciting to be a part of the Patriots, a team in the playoff hunt, after two years with teams that were eliminated from playoff contention early in the season.

"This team has come a long way since last season," Murray said. "It's changed the way the team is treated on campus. People want to know how we did. So far we've been playing well, but injuries have been holding us back. I've been playing with a lot of pain in my ankle. We've all just played through it."

Despite the nagging injury, Murray was able to pick up 252 rushing yards with two touchdowns and another 61 yards receiving against Basic on Oct. 3.

"He's a tough kid and he never lets up," Markouzis said. "He has that big play ability that we've never really had at Liberty. He can score anytime he gets the ball. He has that ability on offense, on defense and on special teams."

With only two games left and the Patriots' first postseason appearance on the line, Murray said it's going to come down to mental toughness to keep Liberty in the hunt. The Patriots are 1-3 in the Southeast Division with two leagues games to play — they more than likely have to win all two games.

"Everyone is taking this seriously," Murray said. "This season means a lot. We have to stay focused and we've got to play hard. We can't let up. If we do that, we'll win for sure."

Jared Harmon can be reached at 990-8922 or [email protected].