On the Plains with Chris Murray: 'Prove everybody wrong'

Transfer defensive lineman Chris Murray is ready for new challenges in his final college football season, bringing experience and toughness into the Auburn locker room.

A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Murray attended Hirschi High School and then committed to Texas Christian University in April of 2020. After a redshirt season with the Horned Frogs, Murray transferred to Sam Houston for two seasons. He then accomplished his goal of playing on the highest stage of college football when he transferred to Auburn in January.

“When I came in January, it was just like a normal guy going into a new place, like getting a new job,” recalled Murray, an interdisciplinary studies major.  “You have to feel the vibes out, and you have to understand your role and how you’re going to contribute, and I feel like spring practice changed the whole game for me. It was just like, ‘Wow. I’m playing SEC football.’ It’s continuing to do that and knowing that the young guys look up to you.”

Family has always been important to Murray, something he’s excited to be a part of here on the Plains.

“I was very blessed to have a good head coach at my last school, Coach K.C. Keeler, who is at Temple now,” Murray said. “He was family-oriented, and his favorite word was culture. I’m experienced, so I’ve been playing college football for a minute, so I understand the ins and outs of how things work. I’m looking forward to being a part of that atmosphere here.” 

Murray has always had intensity and determination ever since he first played football when he was 4 years old. He and his teammates have the same goal in mind for this season.

“As a collective, we just need to lock into the details and film,” he said. “We need to treat the film like school, while staying on top of school as well. It doesn’t matter who is in front of me. Whoever's in front of you, you have to dominate. You have to provide and help your team. For the 11 on the field at a time, it’s mano a mano. I feel like I’ve been playing football my entire life, so I treat it as such no matter who’s in front of me.”

Murray is excited for the opportunity to be a leader and guide younger players. 

“I thank God because I’m blessed to be in this situation to be able to talk to younger players and help them,” Murray said. “Even some of the older guys, because I may even need help from a younger player. I just love the situation I’m in right now and am very blessed to be able to keep going. I love the guys here and the memories I have made and will make.”

Murray knows he has something to prove every Saturday and wants to give it his all for the Auburn faithful and his coaches.

“Our fans come ready every year,” Murray said. “That’s a big feeling because we feel like we have to support them back. It’s only right for us to give them what they give us. Coach Hugh Freeze motivates us as well. It’s almost like a ‘fight for Freeze’ vibe. Just making everybody who has poured their hearts into us and Auburn excited.”

With a large transfer and recruiting class of talented players who are eager to take the field, Auburn has an abundance of strong-willed players. Murray is no different. His experience and wisdom have led him to his final season.

“I love an underdog story,” he said. “I love Coach DJ Durkin. He’s fired up that everyone doesn’t believe in us. I am just ready to attack and prove everybody wrong. Now we have every piece to do it. I love the family and atmosphere. I want the atmosphere to explode and be crazy. I’m ready for it. I want to live the underdog story and prove everybody wrong.”

Faith has been a crucial part of Murray’s journey. Despite adversity and hardship, Murray has been able to stay grounded and knows he has a greater purpose.

“It has been a big thing for me my entire life,” he said. “I always lead by faith. At first, when I was younger, I was asking God, ‘Why me?’ I was not seeing the bigger purpose of what I was being put through there, so I could overcome all the obstacles put in front of me to shape me into who I am today. I just keep fighting in whatever situation I am in, and faith keeps me on God’s path.”

Excited is an understatement for Chris Murray in his anticipation of playing for Auburn this season. He brings experience and mental toughness to the team and wants to help his younger teammates grow.

“I just feel like that, transitioning from a small school to here, I can bring the drive and the motive,” Murray said. “It wasn't about the money aspect or the NIL aspect. I can bring experience and be well-rounded to help the guys here, help them grow, and show them that it’s not just about NIL, it’s about football.”