Murray bypasses NFL draft to stay at UGA (updated w/ Richt reaction)
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray ended the speculation Sunday night about whether he’s staying in school or going to the NFL. He’s staying, Murray announced via Twitter.
“Blessed to be the QB for the Dawgs, not ready to leave just yet,” Murray tweeted to his 64,000-plus followers. “Time to get back to work & help lead this team to a championship.”
Murray could not be immediately reached for further comment, and UGA made no official announcement of his decision. (UPDATE: Georgia coach Mark Richt reacted to Murray’s decision in a statement Monday morning: “I’m certainly pleased that after weighing his options Aaron has decided to remain at Georgia for his senior year. His leadership and productivity have been tremendous during what has been an outstanding career. This is great for Aaron and great for Georgia.”)
A three-year starter for the Bulldogs, Murray had been weighing whether to return for his final season of college eligibility or to enter the 2013 NFL draft.
He said previously that the NFL’s underclassmen advisory committee informed him he likely would be a second or third-round pick if he entered the draft.
Murray graduated from UGA last spring with a degree in psychology, and he enrolled in a graduate program in industrial-organizational psychology in the fall.
He is the first quarterback in SEC history to pass for more than 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. This past season, he passed for 3,893 yards and 36 touchdowns. In Georgia’s Capital One Bowl victory over Nebraska, he passed for 427 yards and five touchdowns. He leads the nation in pass efficiency rating for the 2012 season, just ahead of Alabama’s AJ McCarron, who plays in the BCS title game Monday night.
Murray has led Georgia to back-to-back SEC Eastern Division titles, although the Bulldogs lost in the SEC Championship game both times.
Murray’s return is a boon for the 2013 Georgia team, which expects to return all but two starters – receivers Tavarres King and Marlon Brown – from an offense that averaged 37.8 points per game.
– Tim Tucker, AJC
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513 comments Add your comment
Steve Spurrier
January 7th, 2013
6:03 pm
Who won the BCS last year? Alabama. A team that puts defense and running first.
Year before that? Auburn. A team that had Superman at QB but also a tremendous defense led by Nick Fairley.
Year before that? Alabama, see above, defense and running.
Year before that? LSU. And before that Florida, running with Tebow, so they weren’t passing and their D was good.
Truth is, defense still wins.
1-3 start. I don’t see any other way. And Murray is still back in the same position he is now but Georgia is worse off in that they didn’t just develop a QB while rebuilding the defense.
I think he’s coming back because he was way worse than 2nd/3rd round. Way worse. I mean if winning the BCS or SEC is his goal, why did he talk to the NFL in the first place? And if they said 2nd/3rd round, SEE YA! BYE! $$$$$$$$$. I’d even make myself into a first rounder by working hard.
Yet he’s coming back to make himself into a first rounder in 2014? What does that matter, you don’t get paid like they used to as a rookie. I’m not sure there is a tremendous difference in 1st and 3rd round anymore.
Steve Spurrier
January 7th, 2013
6:07 pm
Teams that are better that Georgia in 2012 and still will be ranked higher… Alabama, Notre Dame, Oregon, Clemson, LSU, Texas A&M, South Carolina. Louisville might be in the running too.
So maybe #9 or #10. But take into account the defense and definitely #15. Not so certain CMR wants Murray back. Who do you blame when you inevitably lose a few of those early games? It’d be nice to have a young QB to blame.
dap01
January 7th, 2013
6:09 pm
ROJO: Your rant is an ignorant rant. Have you look at Murray’s stats? What AM the problem in the SEC Championship? NO. Because AM does not play linebacker. Just because someone don’t start, that does not mean that they should transfer. If it did there would be thousands of transfers and sitting out each year. You have an agenda, stop clogging up the blog. Go upstairs and speak to your mother for a change.
Steve Spurrier
January 7th, 2013
6:11 pm
Also, as to breaking records? There’s this kid over in College Station Texas who seems to be breaking all of the big records.
For those of you who don’t know what that means, College Station is where Texas A&M is. They have this QB over there, he’s really good and just a freshman. He beat the team you lost to, on the road, in front of 100,000 of their fans all of whom named their kids after Bear Bryant.
You should pay attention, because that team and QB is worth the hype. And in the east, there is this team… you’ve lost to 3 years in a row and consistently is the best in the East, but with a harder schedule. We’d give anything to get your schedule.
A.B.
January 7th, 2013
6:16 pm
I just hope CMR gives Mason the oppt to get more playing time and maybe even the starting job,,,,Mason is a great QB and deserves the oppt to beat out Murray. AND I REALLY HOPE CMR WILL LEARN HOW TO USE ‘CLOCK MANAGEMENT’. HE IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE WITH CLOCK MGT ! CMR LOST THE SEC CHAMP GAME HIMSELF,,THE PLAYERS PLAYED WELL ENOUGH TO WIN AND CMR LET THEM DOWN. UGA ran 2 plays in the last 30 seconds of that game..AND, Did anyone see CMR wet his damn pants in the last few minutes of the game vs NEBRASKA. Please CMR learn some clock management !!! SELAH
dawg man
January 7th, 2013
6:27 pm
I personally think Alec will be missed more than Jarvis,in some regards also. The D line was the big disappointment, not the Lb’s.
Landover
January 7th, 2013
6:37 pm
I stretched out my undergraduate degree in Athens to 5 years, good plan!
Lonnie
January 7th, 2013
6:38 pm
Tide is rolling Alabama is playing tonight shouldn’t your focus be on your team????? Interesting!
wally
January 7th, 2013
6:42 pm
Okay Bulldogs the off season is here, Now is the time to keep our noses clean no off season junk suspensions. Clemson and USC would love it if UGA had several guys not playing. Next year is the year with ouf offensive line returning. 2013 is our YEAR. What a great place to be if UGA is in the championship game next year
Ghost
January 7th, 2013
6:54 pm
Rojo, Murray was just another cog? He won the elite 11 his senior year, The only QB in SEC history to throw for over 300 yards 3 years consecutive years Mason knew the deal coming in and he will not transfer. You should keep you’re mouth shut an let people think you’re stupid , instead of opening it and proving them right.By the way Murray junior year at plant he passed for over 4000 yards. Idiot
Ghost
January 7th, 2013
6:55 pm
3000 yards in 3 years.
UGA RULES
January 7th, 2013
7:10 pm
I know I will be banned for this, but all of you blind fucktards out there who hate AM can go blow your heads off. You are fools and your opinions are as valid as your jobs as trash collectors. Must be tech grads or bama grads, because I
know no UGA lover would talk like you guys do. Facts are facts and AM was the head of the most prolific UGA O to have ever existed! You should be sucking him off to get him to stay! As for you bama retards, I wish you well in the nc game, I just hope you inbreds can pull your dicks out of your sisters long enough to play the game! THANK YOU AM! The Dawg Nation is greatful!
UGA = DUMB
January 7th, 2013
7:14 pm
WOW UGA RULES…just wow…
Dawg89
January 7th, 2013
7:20 pm
UGA Rules, Whoa Nelley!
Dawg89
January 7th, 2013
7:23 pm
I usually pull for fellow SEC teams in bowl games including SC and UF. It’s hard to pull for SC living over here in chicken country. But, I have to say, thanks to all the Alabama fans or Tech fans posing as Alabama fans (it’s hard to say which) that post garbage on these pages, I will be pulling for ND. May Touchdwon Jesus be on their side tonight and roll tide right down the sewer where they belong.
Dawg89
January 7th, 2013
7:27 pm
By the way, AM has been a fine Georgia Bulldog and the team is lucky to have him come back for his senior season. People that say otherwise are either trolls or idiots or both. I hope they get Hutson Mason in the game, too. He deserves the chance to play.
I think the defense may play better with fewer “super stars”. Superstars come with baggage and attitude. I think we may be surprised at how well the younger guys can play if they gel as a team.
Ghost
January 7th, 2013
7:37 pm
Dawg89 , I agree with your outlook on the 2013 defense.
UGA = DUMB
January 7th, 2013
7:47 pm
Dawg89 and Ghost…if Grantham is still in Athens, don’t get your hopes up…you’ll be good against the sisters of the poor…Clemson, not so much…
DawgNole
January 7th, 2013
7:59 pm
Steve Spurrier
January 7th, 2013
6:11 pm
And in the east, there is this team… you’ve lost to 3 years in a row and consistently is the best in the East, but with a harder schedule. We’d give anything to get your schedule.
______________________
You get that schedule this year. What will be your excuse then–for once again FAILING to make the SECCG?
Brewmaster
January 7th, 2013
8:13 pm
Big K, Moist Dawg, Rojo, et al are starring in a new low-budget flick about loser bloggers : ” Revenge of the Turds.”
Game Changer
January 7th, 2013
8:45 pm
nfl bypasses Murray, has no interest in a 5′11″ avg arm small bodied qb
Dawg89
January 7th, 2013
9:27 pm
UGA = Dumb = Tech Troll. Nothing on the tech page today? I forgot, nobody cares about tech.
Rationale
January 7th, 2013
9:40 pm
For all you anti-Bobo people. The problem in the past has been Murray, not Bobo. Until last summer’s QB attitude adjustment that Murray received from Gruden and Manning, I think that is who it was, Murray was the problem with the offense, not Bobo. If, Murray improves in 2013, like he did in 2012, he might be considered a legitimate NFL prospect. If he does not improve his ability to deal with real pressure situations, he will never be anything more than a decent college QB.
Brewmaster
January 7th, 2013
9:41 pm
if forgot to add Game Changer to the ” Turd” cast
Game Changer
January 7th, 2013
9:45 pm
brewmaster got his feelings hurt — H Mason is the best QB currently at UGA, was the best in 2012. The players want Mason to be the starter but for whatever reason richt will not allow Mason to play.
Dawgfan
January 7th, 2013
9:45 pm
Hey game changer, sounds like am must have taken your team out behind the woodshed !
Game Changer
January 7th, 2013
9:48 pm
42 alabama named hubbard with the sack from norcross high. UGA never even went to Norcross to recruit Hubbard, even after a coach from Norcross call and told the UGA coaches about him.
dawgfan facts hurt
Dawgfan
January 7th, 2013
9:51 pm
Hey doghole, its mighty funny when uga has one of the tuffest schedules in the nation you guys are silent but the minute uga gets a break there goes that mouth !
Dawgfan
January 7th, 2013
9:59 pm
Facts are facts. who played in the conference game? Exactly !
DawgNole
January 7th, 2013
10:06 pm
Dawgfan
January 7th, 2013
9:51 pm
Hey doghole, its mighty funny when uga has one of the tuffest schedules in the nation you guys are silent but the minute uga gets a break there goes that mouth !
_____________________
Hey dumbazz, that wasn’t me. Can you read? Fool.
hmmmmm...........
January 7th, 2013
10:16 pm
Glad he’s coming back. I just hope Mason doesn’t come in ala Shockey throw a pick 6 against FL and cost UGA a shot at a title. First though they need to put a D together and survive september.
gamechanger is clueless
January 7th, 2013
10:18 pm
Ok smart one , which Georgias players want to see a QB that has never played a meaningful snap start over a qb that is the only SEC qb to pass for 3000 in 3 consecutive years? Need we list some of your more astute observations? or your inside info that never happened.you’re a gamecock or a nerd . quit posing loser.
Game Changer
January 7th, 2013
10:24 pm
the players on offense want Mason playing as the starter. No secret.
BobDawg
January 7th, 2013
10:29 pm
Murray is going to possibly set SEC and UGA marks that may never be broken next year… Especially with QB’s leaving early… Hope you Dawg fans realize that….
preferredduck
January 7th, 2013
11:15 pm
Ok bama is killing ND 42-7. Even Urban Myer in the halftime show said we saw rhe real championship game back on DEC 1st vs UGA. So whst does thst say about how AM sucks. He csn throw it where only his guy csn get it and holds a higher completion % than mcarron. Dont worry so much about the D. A lot of true and redshirt fresh are playing fine on D watch for jordan jenkins. He is jones replacement rome has played good. Swann is solid and the joco ftansfers and some of the new recruits coming in shoukd be oretty damn good. Then the offense that we know will run good next year.
gamechanger is clueless
January 7th, 2013
11:21 pm
it must be a pretty big secret Gamechanger since no one but you, has heard anything of it, I guarantee you don’t have a clue.you’re a complete tool, another gamechanger lie, Hubbard had an offer from Georgia, but they never recruited him ? Strange before the season started you claimed John Jenkins would be ineligible to play the season, Jarvis Jones couldn’t tackle SEC backs, Tren Brown was too n=big too play football. Murray has bad technique the list goes on and on you lying SOB.
roy
January 7th, 2013
11:25 pm
he’s too short! too many balls knocked down at los, no speed, obviously counseled by nfl execs to come back
Sven Ottke
January 7th, 2013
11:30 pm
If I was a mediocre coach, I’d be happy that a mediocre QB was coming back too!
Hunkerdown2013
January 7th, 2013
11:38 pm
Rojo = Game Changer = Loser
Would like to thank this guy for clearing his schedule today to chat on this blog about how Mason should be the starter at Georgia, and to basically stir the pot because he has nothing better to do with his miserable life. January 7, 2013 – this loser devoted a whole calendar day to mindless chit-chat on the AJC. Congrats, you textbook definition of a loser. Prize has been awarded and in the mail. You did it.
just sayin
January 7th, 2013
11:44 pm
what the hell is that Notre Dame bunch doing on the same field with Alabama? Can you imagine what Johnny Heisman would have done to them, or Georgia. Notre Dame is a disgrace to college football…what a joke! They wouldn’t have scored at all if wasn’t for those stupid refrees. It’s quite obvious they national championship was played in the SEC Championship game in Atlanta…everyone knows that.
DawgFan
January 8th, 2013
12:58 am
I always wish the best for UGA and I think Mason would be a better chance for us to win a National Championship and in this case Murray should go Pro.
irmansyah
January 8th, 2013
3:43 am
interesting blog, full of inspiration here
Do not forget to visit me at home too mister
http://goo.gl/f09MM
Andy
January 8th, 2013
5:35 am
AM would have been a 4th round pick at best. Sure his numbers look good on paper until you compare them to the opponents he played over the years. Not to mention he has a real self confidence problem when he is too cowardly to speak to the media before the SEC championship game, then when he loses the game, he runs off the field like a beaten school girl.
Bruce
January 8th, 2013
5:50 am
I saw Brice Ramsey play this past weekend, so I understand. SEC East Champs, here we go!
1969 Graduate
January 8th, 2013
7:32 am
I’m very pleased with the fact that such a quality man will be our quarterback for another year. He’s a hard worker, a beast in the weight room, a student of the game, and a very good quarterback working to be great at what he does. What more could we want.
Go, Dawgs!
DawgNole
January 8th, 2013
8:02 am
preferredduck
January 7th, 2013
11:15 pm
Even Urban Myer in the halftime show said we saw rhe real championship game back on DEC 1st vs UGA.
______________________
Even Urban Meyer?! Phtt! That know-nothing slimeball picked ND to win the game!
DawgNole
January 8th, 2013
8:07 am
Hunkerdown2013
January 7th, 2013
11:38 pm
Rojo = Game Changer = Loser
Would like to thank this guy for clearing his schedule today to chat on this blog about how Mason should be the starter at Georgia, and to basically stir the pot because he has nothing better to do with his miserable life. January 7, 2013 – this loser devoted a whole calendar day to mindless chit-chat on the AJC. Congrats, you textbook definition of a loser. Prize has been awarded and in the mail. You did it.
_______________________
“. . . clearing his schedule . . . .” LOL!
I needed a laugh this morning, Hunker. Good post–and accurate, no doubt. You think he’ll be down by the mailbox waitin’ on that prize?
ugab
January 8th, 2013
8:16 am
Glad to see AM is comiing back for his last season. He is a leader. He is a baller. He is our QB. The dawgs need to work hard during the off season. Offense and especially Defense has to do what it takes to get better for next season. After watching the NC game, it appears our defense did a little bit better than ND’s defense did. Go dawgs.
ugab
January 8th, 2013
8:20 am
Notre Dame got pushed around by Alabama. Uga got pushed around by Alabama. Alabama is reloading again for next season. Nick Saban is going to keep on being the one to beat.
tjg
January 8th, 2013
8:25 am
Aaron – great news! You are a real talent, a student of the game and tough as nails.
Please work on your touch passes for next season (flair, screen, over the middle drop off…). You throw the ball on a rope and your deep ball is very impressive, but you need to also be able to float the ball into the arms of a running halfback or tight end with an easy and timely toss. This would give you the full arsenal of all the throws and make you and all-American candidate next season and first rounder.