Scouting Report: Inside Linebackers
Background:
Hughes-Murray committed to OSU just two days after receiving his offer back in October. He was another part of the recruiting tsunami that we saw at the end of October.
Things got a little worrisome after Coach Sitake left, as he was Andrzej’s primary recruiter, however he later reaffirmed him commitment. Cal & Wazzu made late pushes but Andrzej rebuffed their advancements. He chose the Beavs over offers from Air Force, Eastern Washington, Montana, New Mexico, UNLV & Utah State. He also received interest from Army, Colorado, Oregon & UW.
Hughes-Murray was on the OSU staff’s radar early on as he was a standout on the camp circuit, but with limited spots available, the staff didn’t extend an offer until they saw his mid-season film at which time they made the decision that Hughes-Murray was a prospect they needed and would make room for.
In addition to being a standout football player, Andrzej excels as a wrestler. As a junior, he was the state runner-up at the 3A level. As a senior, Hughes-Murray went 41-0 on his way to winning the WIAA 4A 220-pound wrestling state championship.
Accolades:
Named 1st Team 4A All-State LB by the Associated Press. Named to the 1st Team Defensive All-USA Western Washington Team as a LB. Named 1st Team LB All-SPSL NW Division.
What the Film Says:
A tackling machine, Hughes-Murray is an ideal run-stuffing MLB in Coach Andersen’s defense. Good blend of strength, size, acceleration and speed. Solid tackler who drives though ball carriers. Does well reading the offensive line/blockers and shooting gaps to take down ball carriers. Would have liked to see him more in coverage, as there was nothing on his highlight film showing him dropping back. Played both sides of ball for Federal Way, as he played as both a RB and fullback. Showed good enough speed to outrace defenders for long touchdown scores.
Blast From the Past:
When I watched Hughes-Murray film I saw a lot of Richard Seigler in him, playing with fire and tenacity. Both were exceptional tacklers with very comparable builds. While I think Seigler was better in coverage, Hughes-Murray is exceptional in plugging up running lanes and forcing pressure on the QB.
Background:
Wesley committed to the Beavs just as his stock was reaching an all-time high this past December. He had been receiving interest from both in-state PAC 12 programs, U of A and ASU, as well as Iowa State. Wesley was perhaps the most important piece of Pima’s defense this past year, as he led the nation in tackles with 149, an average of 13.5 tackles per game. In addition, he had 13.5 tackles for loss, 6 sacks, forced a fumble and recovered two fumbles, one of which he returned for a score.
On top of his defensive accomplishments, he also got a handful of opportunities to tote the ball on offense, gaining 37 yards on 11 carries and scoring twice.
Played high school football at Mountain Pointe in Phoenix, alongside his older brother Landry Payne, fellow Beaver signee and Pima teammate Timmy Hernandez, and current Beaver Paul Lucas. Has always had a nose for the ball, last year at Mesa Community College he recorded 130 tackles and as a senior at Mountain Pointe, he set the school record for tackles in a season with 170. Wesley has a redshirt year available, so he will enter his OSU career with 3 years of eligibility with 2 seasons to play.
Accolades:
Received All-American 1st team honors from the National Junior College Athletic Association after being named the Western State Football League’s Defensive Player of the Year. Also was named Defensive Player of the Year by the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference.
What the Film Says:
Plays with moxie and confidence, a true bulldog mentality. Loves contact, an exceptional tackler, does a great job driving through ball carriers, finishing his tackles. Plays with a very high football IQ, another 2-way standout at Pima as he played both MLB and fullback on offense. Incredibly strong base for only 210 pounds. Has good speed, agility, quick twitch athlete that is able to make quick reads. Closes incredibly fast. Does not allow blockers to engage him, has a nose for the ball, tackling machine. Would be an ideal rover back should Coach Clune implement the position in his defense.
Blast From the Past:
When watching Payne’s video, one might be reminded of David Pa’aluhi III. Both Payne and Pa’aluhi play with a certain reckless abandon, unafraid to take on larger opponents. Both Wesley and David measured in at less than 6 feet tall, yet they played much larger than that. With training tables and a more stringent strength program, Payne could get close to Pa’aluhi 230 pound playing weight. Pa’aluhi led the Beavs in tackles his sophomore year, Payne could easily do the same his first season.