QB Aaron Murray explains his decision to remain at Georgia
ATHENS – Aaron Murray said he knew he wanted to return to Georgia for his senior season “as soon as the clock hit zero” in the SEC Championship game. The rest of the time he spent validating in his head what was already in his heart.
Murray announced via Twitter this past Sunday night that he was indeed going to complete his eligibility with the Bulldogs. On Tuesday he met with reporters at UGA’s Butts-Mehre football complex to explain his decision.
Aaron Murray hoist the MVP trophy after his four-touchdown passing performance in the Capital One Bowl on New Year's Day. (AJC photo by Brant Sanderlin)
“I pretty much knew all along deep down inside that I wanted to come back,” Murray said. Obviously I didn’t want to base my decision on emotion. I wanted that SEC game to go by a little bit before I made my decision. After that game, I was like, ‘I’m coming back, I’m coming back.’ So I really needed to let that game go, play another game, clear my head and write down the pros and cons of everything.”
Murray, the first quarterback to throw for more than 3,000 yards in three consecutive seasons, is on track to break SEC records for passing yards, touchdowns and completions. But he said that had little to do with his decision.
The opportunity to return to Georgia and win an SEC championship next season was the strongest incentive.
“I’m excited about our team next year,” he said. “We’ve grown so much over these past two seasons and really put Georgia back on the map. It’s great to be part of that and hopefully we’ll continue to get better. . . . I love Georgia, I love being part of this university, I love being part of this team. I’m just excited to have another year.”
The Bulldogs return 10 starters on offense next season, including the entire offensive line. They will be rebuilding on defense, however.
Murray said previously he received a “second- or third-round grade” from the NFL’s draft advisory board. He said he discussed his situation with former NFL coach Tony Dungy, former NFL quarterback Archie Manning, former UGA quarterbacks David Greene and D.J. Shockley, among others.
“I liked what my grade was,” Murray said. “But obviously I feel like I’ve still got a lot of improvement to make as a quarterback. I’ve got some areas that I need to continue to develop. I’ve talked to Coach (Mike) Bobo and Coach (Mark) Richt about it, too, and they’re really excited about me coming back and continuing to improve. . . . By the end of the year, I will be as complete a quarterback as I can be heading into the NFL.”
Of course, not everybody is thrilled with Murray’s decision. Junior Hutson Mason, Murray’s backup before redshirting this past season, was quoted in the Marietta Daily Journal as saying he was “frustrated” about having to sit behind Murray another year. Reached by the AJC Tuesday, Mason was decidedly more diplomatic.
“It hasn’t worked out the way I planned,” he said, “but I’m not giving up on my dreams.”
Asked if he was definitely going to be back at Georgia next season, Mason said, “That’s the plan as of right now.”
Meanwhile, Murray spoke of several areas in which he’d like to improve as a senior. Most notably, becoming more of a dual-threat quarterback.
“I think when I got here I tried to stress so much about being a pocket passer, staying in the pocket and making my reads and my progressions,” Murray said. “There’s nothing wrong with that; I still have to work on that and trust my line. I just need to work more on when things do break down or maybe see ahead of time plays I can take off on and get out of the pocket and get as many yards as I can get. Work on my speed a little more. I feel like at my age I’ve gotten a little slower. I’ve got to work on that more and just try to create plays when they aren’t there.”
Asked specifically what he could do to improve his NFL stock, Murray joked, “Hopefully somehow I can grow another two inches, that’d be great. I think we’re incorporating some yoga this offseason, so some stretching may help out a little bit.”
Murray is listed at 6-foot-1 and swears it’s legitimate.
Turning serious, he added: “I’m not worried about where I get drafted next season. I think you can play a dangerous game if you think about that. My No. 1 goal right now is to continue to get better as a quarterback and do whatever I can to make sure this team gets some championships, gets some rings next year.”
Murray’s desire to win a championship at Georgia was driven home as he watched Alabama throttle Notre Dame 42-14 Monday night to claim its third national championship in four years. The Bulldogs lost to Alabama 32-28 after time expired with Georgia on the 5-yard line.
“Oh, it was painful to watch. It was,” Murray said. “I’m happy the SEC won, of course. It definitely showed the nation how good we were, to play Alabama the way we did and were four or five yards away from being in that game. It helped us showed that Georgia is back.”
And now Murray is, too.
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341 comments Add your comment
Moist Dawg
January 8th, 2013
6:02 pm
Glory, I approve of your comment. As my sources told me weeks ago, Murray will be staying. Bama is yesterdays news. We are on to next season and bama will lose at least three games. lswho is a joke and less miles will be one of the first coaches to experience an AMurraygency!
Tim Scott
January 8th, 2013
6:08 pm
As a Gator fan it would not have broke my heart if he had left. But as a college football and a father of two sons that played college ball, I could not be prouder of this young man living up to the contract he signed with the University of Georgia. He is living up to the promise he made, I look forward to seeing him one more time in the Gator Bowl for the Florida Georgia game.
JB
January 8th, 2013
6:10 pm
Auburn and Florida would luvvvv to have a Murray with those heady stats and experience to run things for them next year. Next year will be tough with the D, But with Murray back, Dawgs might have gone from 6-6, 7-5 to 9-3 or so. And there is a chance the D could be better. It won’t be because of no athletes.
Jborodawg
January 8th, 2013
6:10 pm
Really glad Murray is returning. He’s a DGD!
Chip, having read the Mayretta Daily News article, I knew it wouldn’t be long before some writer took his words out of context. Yes, he said he’s “frustrated”. Who wouldn’t be if you’re a competitor?
What he said was, ““It’s frustrating because I was hoping for the opportunity to compete to be the guy this year.”
He further stated, “Coach Richt is a straight up honest guy. He can’t make Aaron’s decision for him. Nobody promised me anything….I’ve enjoyed my time learning and (playing) behind Aaron. He’s a classy guy and I only wish him the best in whatever he does.”
And finally, “I would like to see my (college) career end at UGA,”
Like many Bulldog fans, I’d like to see Mason get some ‘meaningful’ playing time this year; not just mop up. We have a real quandary now with Mason and Bauta, not to mention Ramsey. But it’s a nice problem to have.
Then we also have LeMay and P Welch. What’s their future look like?
GB's Hamburgers
January 8th, 2013
6:11 pm
There is a log jam of talent at quarterback. Why kill the dreams of others who have waited their turn are now not going to get their chance. This decision does nothing for Murray or the Dogs. I don’t think another year will fix what I believe is an inherent problem. Rising to the occasion is not something you can teach. The Alabama quarterback, by way of contrast, has always been at his best in the clutch. No, he’s not better than Murray but just better when it counts.
Dawg pointer
January 8th, 2013
6:13 pm
Who cares..three damn days of Murray’s coming back..I was really looking forward to someone else running the show.
Man the AJC loves to re-run everything—get some new news.
JB
January 8th, 2013
6:13 pm
Can’t wait to see a Gurley with a year in the weight room and that entire OL returning, with a year in the weight room, run next year.
Whiznot
January 8th, 2013
6:15 pm
Mason should share time at QB. Aaron has been an exceptional QB but he usually seems afraid and nervous in big games. Although Aaron is talented, McCarron and Manziel have even more talent and exhibit no mental deficiencies.
JB
January 8th, 2013
6:15 pm
Murray didn’t lose the Bama game. He did his part. Those all star NFL bound defensive guys gave up 350 yards rushing.
AdMan
January 8th, 2013
6:15 pm
GTBob…your QB wasn’t even rated and your dishing Murray? What a
complete ass you are. Your posts on here are really stupid…please go away…. everybody thinks your a joke. How old are you ? nine, ten you sound like a little boy….come back on this blog when your team is worth a sh-t…until then go away…you stink up the place!
Dawg pointer
January 8th, 2013
6:17 pm
Yes, GB’s I agree..the log jam gets longer. The kid from Camden Co may get to play when he’s a Jr or has to change positions…another reason for kids not to sign with UGA.
JB
January 8th, 2013
6:17 pm
Gailey is available. Tech should hire him to point out D1 talent to Johnson.
jj
January 8th, 2013
6:22 pm
Its funny AdMan when you don’t agree you wish to take away the other persons Constitutional rights…sounds like a liberal Demo.
Game Changer
January 8th, 2013
6:23 pm
Murray is back for one reason: NOT ONE NFL TEAM IS INTERESTED IN MURRAY, NOT ONE!!!
Welcome back but I am pulling for Mason to be the 2013 starter
Lancedawg
January 8th, 2013
6:23 pm
We are a 7or 8 win team without Murray next year and a 9 or 10 win team with him. To many holes to fill on D. Our scores will end up looking like Pac 10 scores 52-49 and so on. At least breaking in a new QB is not something we will have to worry about and this enormous 35 man class we are signing will get a full year (some a year and a half) to get up to speed before Murray leaves. We need bodies badly.68 players on scholarship are Penn State type numbers.
Rick James
January 8th, 2013
6:26 pm
@GTBob
Mason will stay on board, he is just frustrated that he ruined his football career by coming to UGA. Hopefully he isn’t majoring in Magazines or Leisure Studies.
——————————————————————————————————————————–
How is his career ruined Bob? Is it a given that he’s the second coming of Peyton Manning? Or that he will beat out Christain Lemay or Brice Ramsey? Playing behind David Green didnt ruin DJ Shockley’s career he just made the most of his opportunity when his turn came.Mason will have do the same.
jj
January 8th, 2013
6:27 pm
Lance you don’t know that crap for sure thats your opinion. Mason is a very good QB if given a chance.
Soothsayer
January 8th, 2013
6:33 pm
in the grand scheme of things, is Georgia really relevant? I was 22 when my team last won a national title. Are there any Georgia fans under 30 who can claim the same? Didn’t think so but come every July you put yourselves in the title game. If you didn’t do it this past season with your Region 8-AAA GHSA schedule in your favor, will you ever? I know the answer, maybe one day, you will too!
Rick James
January 8th, 2013
6:33 pm
@Game Changer
Murray is back for one reason: NOT ONE NFL TEAM IS INTERESTED IN MURRAY, NOT ONE!!!
Welcome back but I am pulling for Mason to be the 2013 starter
—————————————————————————————————————————
While you’re at it Tech for win the BCS title next year too..If Mason has not beat Murray out in 3 years I guess logic says he’ll do it next year right?
Game Changer
January 8th, 2013
6:35 pm
Murray is 5′11″. Also, Murray never recieved a second or third round draft number, total BS and not one person of substance is on record stating otherwise that matters, this included dunghole dungy whose son played at the same high school. A Murray is the eleventh rated QB in the 2013 draft — Ten QB’s for the 2013 draft are rated ahead of him. At what round was the 11th QB drafted in the prior years, thats right, who knows or who cares. Welcome back Murray to UGA and I hope H Mason is the starter at Clemson.
Rick James
January 8th, 2013
6:35 pm
It’s amzing how Murray’s decision to return next year is upsetting some of the Tech fans…Even if he didnt come back Georgia would still be up by 35 at halftime next season at Bobby Dodd.
Game Changer
January 8th, 2013
6:38 pm
@rickjames: dont ask many of the offensive players or Bobo if Mason has beaten out Murray. You never hear Bobo bragging on Murray, reason why is the continued failure in his play killing the team in critical situations.
Woogie
January 8th, 2013
6:47 pm
No one wud begrudge Both LeMays if they end up at Wake Forest. They cud really help Wake, they wud be appreciated, and the Wake degree speaks for itself.
zbulldawg
January 8th, 2013
6:50 pm
LET THE BIG DAWG EAT. Listen up recruits if you think you are good enough to come in & contribute to a championship There’s plenty of room on this defense. So GETUSUM
Woogie
January 8th, 2013
6:56 pm
Look, if Mason beats out Murray, he will be starter. If he doesn’t, Murray shud be the man.
AdMan
January 8th, 2013
6:58 pm
Hey jj….my consitutional rights give me authority to tell you and GTBob that both of you don’t know your ass from your head.And Ican assure your pompous ass that I far from liberal….you must be a Tech fan….they all think they know everything while everyone else is laughing at you behind your back!
Poodle Dawg
January 8th, 2013
6:59 pm
This ought to tell us something. Murray knows he is better than Mason and CMR knows it also. Otherwise, he wud not return for another yr.
old time dog
January 8th, 2013
7:13 pm
Bottom line is he is a good college QB but was`not projected to go high in the draft. The new wave in NFL is the mobile qb aka RG3. This bad for Murray but good for UGA.
Buzz-off
January 8th, 2013
7:14 pm
Love the haters!!!!!! You guys are soooooo upset over AM returning. It is hysterical to watch you squirm and try to tear down a great QB. Not a team this side of College Station that would not want Murray as their QB (including Bama).
Buzz-off
January 8th, 2013
7:17 pm
Forgot to mention that in addition to leading UGa to top 4 & 5 finishes, he was also the Bowl MVP and set a passing record against the #1 pass defense in the nation. He will also shatter many SEC and national records next season!!!
sflanagan21
January 8th, 2013
7:19 pm
AM is a competitor and that can NOT be denied by anyone. He doesn’t play on D or special teams so unless he is throwing 4 picks and fumbling the ball on every other snap then he can’t be blamed for every single loss. He may not be the “best” college QB on 1/8/13 but he will give ya all he has and in most games that’s more than enough to win.
One thing he said that stood out and got me excited is that he wants to work on being a better dual threat QB. I remember seeing him 3 years ago extending the play and I always thought he was fast and pretty elusive. You can beat the bank that he will work on that and he won’t be a Manziel but AM has pretty good wheels and having a great passing QB and running threat is lethal.
I don’t buy for one second that our D is going to struggle next season, we lost some great players but in some of the games they were under achievers and that’s a fact. We have some young studs on D and we have some JC transfers that will make a huge impact on our D. Have faith Dawg Nation!!!
GO DAWGS
Neutral
January 8th, 2013
7:20 pm
@Buzz-off,
Great points, but you also failed to mention that he beat 2 nationally ranked teams and FL was #2 in the BCS behind Bama.
Neutral
January 8th, 2013
7:23 pm
I forgot to mention that he received the Allstate Community Service Award, completed hIs undergrad degre and masters and is now working on his PhD.
I wonder how many GT QBs have these type of accomplishments. Go DAWGS and GO AM!!!
Who to believe?
January 8th, 2013
7:23 pm
Murray said he got a 2nd-3rd round evaluation. Gamechanger says he didn’t. Gamechanger has evidently measured Murray and found him to be 5-11. Murray says he is 6-1.
Considering how Gamechanger claimed Motel 6 was academically ineligible back before the season started, and has misfired on a number of predictions, I will go with Murray on these issues.
jvillebil
January 8th, 2013
7:24 pm
@Buzz-off, Most of us feel exactly like you, it’s just the people who probably get frustrated over most things in their life that love to bash Murray.
WestOfAthens
January 8th, 2013
7:25 pm
Knew he would return, no explanation necessary.
Grantham, the weak link? Ha, does one wish another’s return.
No thanky you, Grantham has turned things around. Crucial parts of the defense decided to suspend themselves, Actions speak louder than words…
Neutral
January 8th, 2013
7:29 pm
@sflannagan
I think you are spot on with every comment you made. I’m also impressed that according to the coaches they have NEVER seen at any level a QB who works as hard as AM. Apparently he is watching film right after church on Sunday mornings following games. He is a super individual and I’m like most Dawg fans and love the fact that he is coming back!!!!
Game Time
January 8th, 2013
7:29 pm
UGA and Bama have had such very similar season the past 4 years, except of course for the 3 national championships.
Tide/Dawg
January 8th, 2013
7:30 pm
For you Tech bloggers on the UGA Blog, The interim D Coach for Tech did a great job. PJ told him he wanted to look at other coaches. Can you blame the D Coach for leaving? PJ is not going to let anyone stay that is a threat to take his job. Unprofessional? That’s what Groh said. I think it’s true PJ is an ego maniac.They have to win because of his”Unstoppable offense”. He can’t let a defensive coach still the show.
Buzz-off
January 8th, 2013
7:36 pm
I would love a NC, but after watching Bama last night I was incredibly proud of UGa for hanging with that killer team. We are not losers….nor is AM a choker. I would rather be competitive every year then be like Auburn, TN, GT, USC, etc who suck year in and year out, but brag that they won a NC a few years ago. We actually overachieved this year and finished higher than predicted. Go DAWGS!!
YellowJacket
January 8th, 2013
7:40 pm
I think we all know that Murray is not of NFL quality. I think he knows it too. Simply way too many studs ahead of him. He made the right call in staying. He’ll break some SEC records and be well respected eternally by the UGA crowd. I can even see him coaching at Georgia someday. And yes obviously he’ll beat Tech next year. Not that it really matters.
NCDawg
January 8th, 2013
7:43 pm
For those of you who actually read the article and din’t come on here to talk trash about Aaron Murray because he is better than your team’s QB… Did anyone pick up on what Aaron said he’d like to improve on? I’ve said for a couple of seasons that I thought Bobo hamstrung Murray by not allowing him to run, Now either Aaron is being diplomatic or he chose to concentrate on being a pure pocket passer. Personally I think this conscious effort to do this has greatly contributed to his tendency to be tight in big games. By not playing instinctively, ie: not using his wheels when he appropriate, he overthinks the situation and thus is way tighter than he should be. What if Manziel consciously made an effort to not run the ball when under pressure? What would his game be like? I’ve said this for years, Bobo needs to take the muzzle off. Well now it seems that Aaron needs to take the muzzle off because I think you will see a much more relaxed playmaker next year because of this. Now I am extra excited.
Buzz-off
January 8th, 2013
7:43 pm
Great comment last night by Urban Meyer when he said, “the real national championship was played last month in Atlanta”.
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
January 8th, 2013
7:44 pm
@ Really Doesn’t Matter:
IF IT REALLY DFOESN”T MATTER then just STFU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tide/Dawg
January 8th, 2013
7:44 pm
I’ve said this before. “Johnny(fastfeet) Football will find out what it’s like to have a bullseye on his chest next year. Ala. plays them in the second game 2013. Saban’s Tide will have all of August and Sept. to prepare for Manziel and you know what that means. If A&M can still beat the Tide,…I bow to the young man with the fast feet. For those of you who remember the Tide/A&M game, Ala. threw an interception inside the 10 yard and they also fumbled inside the 10 yard line. Aabama underestimated A&M because A&M had lost 2 games and Bama was at home.. That won’t happen again.
Hugh Jass
January 8th, 2013
7:46 pm
One of the best Dawgs ever comes back for his senior year. Unlike Stafford and Moreno for their senior years. This will be huge. The defense will reload.
Brainiac (CMR/UGA Fan For Life)
January 8th, 2013
7:46 pm
Kudos to Urban Meyer for giving credit where credit was due when he had nothing to gain by doing so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YellowJacket
January 8th, 2013
7:47 pm
Alabama will destroy A&M next year. That’s a game I will definitely be betting on.
trueblueeagle
January 8th, 2013
7:50 pm
Grantham was fired on January 11, 2008 after the 2007 season with the Brown’s defense ranking 25th against the pass, 27th against the run, and 30th in total-yards-against among 32 teams. After the way UGA played the run it looks like he back to his old ways. And you win Champships with defense but Offense put fans in seats. So lots of UGA fans are going to be calling for somebody to fired after the first 4 games. 1-3
Moist Dawg
January 8th, 2013
7:51 pm
Buzz off, don’t be scared of bama. CMR is not, Murray will laugh in the face of their “defense”. They will be irelevent next season when they end up with 3 humiliating loses. I will bet that they won’t even make it to Atlanta next season and then we can tell all the bama fans to stick it.