The art of the pass rush intrigues Mundelein senior Ian Murray.
As a rush-oriented outside linebacker, Murray is constantly searching for unique but effective ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks.
“It’s really interesting to me to see the kinds of techniques that others use to get past linemen,” Murray said. “You can study guys like Von Miller, or I even watch other high school players to see their tendencies.
“Rushing the passer is definitely my favorite part of the game.”
The 6-1, 190-pound Murray is showing a knack for it too. He has recorded a sack in two of the first three games for the Mustangs (3-0), who have allowed a total of 20 points in the past two weeks, and he has made 18 tackles, including four for loss, has forced a fumble and has deflected a pass.
“There are times when we line up and tell him, ‘Go make a play,’” Mundelein coach John Cowhey said.
Not that getting to the quarterback is easy.
“Sacking a quarterback is very hard,” Murray said. “There’s no luck involved. It’s hard to get there in time. You have a guy trying to block you, and even if you get past him, the quarterback might already have the ball out.”
Murray is the Mustangs’ weak-side linebacker, or Will, and a majority of plays go away from him. He does a fair amount of blitzing, but being effective in that position requires much more than reckless abandon.
“I’ve been playing Will for all four years, so it’s a position I understand very well,” Murray said. “I blitz a lot, but on the weak side, keeping contain is really important. You have to be a reliable player because if you don’t do your job correctly, you could let up a big play.”
Murray has successfully avoided that so far this season despite playing a position where his task can change on a play-by-play basis. Confidence is important.
“Last year, I was very nervous before games,” he said. “Now I have a self-belief, and I’m able to focus all of my energy in the same direction. I feel like I’ve improved more than anyone else.”
Murray was limited last season after suffering a sprained ankle on the second play of Mundelein’s third game. He didn’t return until three weeks later, and the absence hindered his development.
Murray is different this season.
“He’s a lot more confident this year, both with his experience and the way he carries himself,” Cowhey said. “We definitely ask a lot of him, and he’s always answered the challenge.”
In Murray’s estimation, his best game this season was Mundelein’s 21-14 win against Johnsburg in Week 2. He ended one of the Skyhawks’ possessions when he deflected a fourth-down pass attempt. Then, when Johnsburg had the ball at Mundelein’s 30-yard line in the game’s final 30 seconds, Murray sacked the quarterback on fourth down. That allowed the Mustangs to run out the clock.
“It was Ian who stepped up when we needed someone to, and he makes everyone want to step up,” Mundelein senior cornerback James Krusinski said. “He has great instincts on the field and an ability to read plays.
“He’s a big film study guy. He even watches in the training room.”
With that dedication, Murray has one overarching goal in mind: qualifying for the playoffs. Mundelein hasn’t done that since 2004.
Murray is aware that the Mustangs were in this position a year ago. They were 3-0, won in Week 4 and then lost their last five games, all North Suburban Conference matchups. Their next three opponents are Stevenson, Libertyville and Warren.
“We haven’t breathed playoff air for 20 years, so there’s a lot on the line in these games coming up,” Murray said. “The first three games have been a good warmup, but now we know we’ll be tested. Getting in would be a big deal.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
