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UCLA Football: Grad transfer OL Justin Murphy admitted to UCLA

By Mike Regalado

WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images)
WESTWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 27: Chip Kelly speaks to the media during a press conference after being introduced as the new UCLA Football head coach on November 27, 2017 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Josh Lefkowitz/Getty Images) /
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The transfer of Texas Tech graduate offensive lineman Justin Murphy to the UCLA Football team is complete as he has been admitted to the Education program, and making him immediately eligible to play this fall.

A month ago, Texas Tech OL Justin Murphy had visited the UCLA football team during spring practice. Several days after, he had tweeted out that he was heading to Westwood.

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Though that was promising, it was not official… until today.

Bruin Report Online just broke the news that Murphy is officially a Bruin as he has cleared admissions and will join UCLA’s graduate Education program. And since he is a graduate transfer, he will be immediately available to play for Chip Kelly and the Bruins this fall.

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Murphy has had one heck of a ride during his collegiate career. In 2016, he had re-injured his ACL which he tore the previous year. At the time it forced him to medically retire. Earlier this year, after recovering from his injury, he wanted back in, though not at Texas Tech.

According to BRO, he should be in the running for a starting spot, most likely on the right side of the line as he has experience at guard and tackle.

The UCLA offensive line is still a work in progress and desperately needs bodies after OT Kolton Miller, C Scott Quessenberry and OG Najee Toran have moved onto the NFL.

During UCLA football’s  spring game, the Bruins first team O-line consisted of LT Andre James, LG Josh Wariboko-Alali, C Boss Tagaloa/Zach Sweeney, RG Michael Alves, and RT Jake Burton.

With Murphy coming in, it is possible he takes over at the right tackle position as Alves has more experience than Burton, but this is only a projection.

Next: Post spring practice projected 2-deep depth chart

It is a long way until the first game of the season and head coach Chip Kelly and OL Justin Frye will look at different combinations for their offensive front, especially with four freshmen coming in to help with depth: OG Chris Murray, OT Alec Anderson, OT Jon Gaines, OG Baraka Beckett. Either way, the more bodies, the better. Welcome to Westwood, Justin!