Murphy is a former 5-star who was rated as the No. 3 overall player in the nation by ESPN.com, which also listed him as the No. 2 defensive end in the nation and No. 1 player in the state of Georgia. Murphy was ranked as the No. 5 overall player in the nation by 247Sports, the top defensive end and No. 1 player in Georgia, while Rivals.com ranked him as the ninth overall player in the nation, No. 2 defensive end and top player in Georgia.
Murphy enrolled at Clemson in January and spent two practices with the team during preparations for the National Championship game against LSU.