×

Murphy heads to Marshall

HEADED TO MARSHALL — Weir High senior Domenick Murphy, flanked by his parents Richard Murphy and Monica Tonacchio, will continue his academic and athletic careers at Marshall University, where he will major in exercise physiology and be a preferred walk-on member of the football program. Also on hand for the signing were, from left, head coach Tony Filberto, Physical Therapist John Kirlangitis. (Mike Mathison)

WEIRTON — It came down to a pretty simple decision for Domenick Murphy.

But, the decision really wasn’t all that simple.

Yet, again, the Weir High Senior wanted to compete at the highest level and he now has that chance.

Murphy has decided to be a preferred walk-on member of the Division I Marshall University football program.

“It’s a great opportunity and you only get so many of them,” said, who plans to study exercise physiology. “I wanted to take it because I believe I can do it.

“I wanted to play at the highest level and I wanted to know that I can do it.

“There was a lot to think about. But, once I went on Marshall’s campus and talked to the coaches, I knew that I was going to go there.

“I knew my heart was there when I stepped on campus.”

He chose Marshall over Division II West Virginia State.

“I liked the coaches at West Virginia State — they treated me great,” Murphy said. “They have a new coaching staff. I talked to the linebackers coach — Reed Williams. I liked him a lot.

“I liked their facilities. They have a great weight room and a great school.

“It was a hard decision, but I wanted to do this.”

Murphy played on both sides of the ball and helped lead the Red Riders to back-to-back-to-back playoff appearances, including a first-round victory at Sissonville in November.

“He has the opportunity to play at the highest level, take advantage of it and see what your abilities are,” Red Riders veteran head coach Tony Filberto said. “Actually, I think he may be a diamond in the rough. He’s a little bit young. He has a terrific work ethic. He’ll get bigger and he’ll get stronger.”

Murphy finished with 56¢ tackles, 11¢ for loss and 7¢ sacks.

He also totaled 105 carries for 539 yards and seven scores and caught 13 passes for 175 yards and five TDs.

In the 29-27 playoff victory at Sissonville, Murphy finished with 111 yards on the ground on 29 carries — 22 for 86 in the second half.

“You don’t want to look back and say, ‘I wonder what it would have been like’ and now he has given himself that opportunity,” Filberto said. “I think it will work out for him.

“I think he has great instincts, is very physical. He’s tough, a good learner and been a leader on our team.

“He’s been calling our defense since he was a sophomore, so he understands the responsibilities of being in charge. If you’re going to be the middle backer, you have to be in charge.”

Murphy recorded a safety and interception in leading a defense that totaled 63 sacks, allowed 94 first downs, 781 yards rushing and a 16.4 percent third-down completion rate in 12 games.

“I don’t want to look back and say, ‘I could have, but I never did.’ Everyone’s goal is to play Division I and I’m thankful I have been given this opportunity,” he said. “It’s going to be a grind every day, but it’s what I want to do. I want to push myself and get better every day.”

The Red Riders were 3-7 his freshman season and turned that into 8-4 as a senior.

“The coaches treated me great here,” he said. “I learned so much between defense and offense and coach Filberto treated by great.

“Being in the weight room with my teammates was amazing.

“All the players, we pushed each other every day in the weight room, school and practice. We’re always on each others cases.

“You have to get better.

“Some days, teammates get on your nerves a little bit, but you know they’re just trying to make you better.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today