Fisher expects much of talented Murray
TALLAHASSEE — knows he is being critical of Florida State junior receiver
But Fisher believes Murray a shifty 5-11, 176-pound receiver who shined at Orlando Oak Ridge High could become the No. 1 receiving option for the Seminoles in 2017.
After FSU’s spring game on Saturday, Fisher said Murray had the potential to emerge and follow the path of former standouts
and
Being mentioned in the same breath as Greene and Benjamin, instrumental factors on Florida State’s 2013 national championship team, carries allure and a hefty expectation Fisher hopes Murray can live up to.
“Noonie is going to be one of the big keys for us to have a kinda year that we need to have,” Fisher said, “because that guy can really, really play the game, and change the game.”
Murray, who is affectionately nicknamed “Noonie,” showed flashes of his inconsistency and brilliance during FSU’s Orange Bowl victory against Michigan in December.
Murray poorly misjudged a Michigan punt that was eventually downed at the one-yard line early in the first quarter. FSU’s defense was able to force Michigan to settle for a field goal.
But Murray quickly redeemed himself.
Starting at the 8-yard line, Murray slithered past Michigan defensive back Jourdan Lewis for a wide-open pass from quarterback
that resulted in a 92-yard touchdown to give FSU a 17-3 lead later in the first quarter.
Murray caught his last of two receptions in the final minute of the game, rising above Lewis for a 12-yard touchdown to give FSU the go-ahead touchdown and its first bowl victory since the 2013 national title.
During FSU’s spring game, Murray finished with five receptions from backup quarterback J.J. Cosentino for 59 yards, including an impressive play that ended with Murray lying on his side to secure the catch.
Making plays is one thing. But Fisher wants Murray to assume greater responsibility as the top option in the passing game.
“[He was] solid, but [had] a couple days not at consistent as I would like,” Fisher said of Murray’s overall progress this spring.
“I know I’m being picky at it, but at the same time, the expectations when you become a No. 1 [receiver], you become a guy you hang your hat on. There are no days off or plays off or anything like that. There’s a level, but you have to grow into that.”
Murray finished last season as FSU’s fifth leading receiver with 27 receptions for 441 yards and five touchdowns.
With and pursuing NFL careers, the Seminoles hope Murray can assume the lead in receiving group that was hampered by inconsistency from junior and injuries to junior sophomore and redshirt
sophomore
this spring. “He’s growing, and he’s making progress,” Francois said. “He still has a ways to go, but Noonie is growing. And that’s all that matters.” UF freshman guard
will transfer after having a limited role during his first season with the Gators, a source confirmed Wednesday.
The 6-foot-3 Hester was the top signee in coach Mike White’s 2016 class, rated the nation’s No. 125 player by 247Sports.
The Oldsmar Christian product played sparingly for the Gators, averaging 5.6 minutes and 2.2 points during 20 appearances for UF (27-9). Hester did not appear during six of the Gators’ final nine games and played just two minutes during four NCAA Tournament games as UF reached the Elite Eight.