In my 20 years living in Los Angeles, I’ve noticed a pattern. If you grow up on the West Coast, there’s always a pull to return to the Pacific time zone. For Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy, coming back West wasn’t what he initially envisioned as one of the top quarterbacks in the Class of 2022 out of Serra High School in Gardena, California. But after stops at Texas and Duke, the gifted QB has found his way back, now leading the Oregon State Beavers.

With spring ball in full swing across the country, we’re excited to welcome Maalik to the Y-Option podcast for the first time, presented by our founding partner 76.

Oregon State football has always been built on successful quarterback play complimenting a strong run game with a tough defense and an incredible fan base. Now, in Year 2 under Trent Bray, the Beavers are in position to make some serious noise out West.

I still remember my first trip to Corvallis. It was 2006, my 2nd year coaching at USC. We rolled into Reser Stadium as the No. 3 team in the country, only to leave with a 33-31 loss and the sound of chainsaws ringing in our ears. That game wasn’t my first introduction to the Beavs, though. I had already faced them as a player in the 2002 Insight Bowl while starting for Pitt. We won, and freshman Larry Fitzgerald became a household name that night. But what stuck with me was Oregon State’s identity - tough, disciplined, and relentless.

Fast forward to today, and the man leading the Beavers is a familiar name. Bray was a linebacker on that 2002 team and now holds his dream job as Oregon State’s head coach. And this offseason, he might have landed his dream quarterback.

When the Pac-12 reshaped itself last season, skeptics doubted whether the Beavers could land an elite quarterback in the transfer portal. But Beaver Nation proved them wrong. Coach Bray, offensive coordinator/QB coach Ryan Gunderson, and the Oregon State staff made their pitch, and one of the hottest names in the portal chose them. As Maalik shared with me on Y-Option, he’s never been happier, or more confident.

Hearing that was special. Maalik Murphy is the type of leader young quarterbacks should look up to - a model of resilience and perseverance.

We hope you enjoy today’s conversation. And to those of you in our Y-Option paid community - thank you for your continued support.

Back to spring ball film study!

Much love and Stay Steady,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

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