Florida QB Tyler Murphy Transfers to Boston College

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In the past week, Boston College’s Steve Addazio has scored two refugees from Will Muschamp’s Florida Gators program.

Earlier, it was offensive lineman Ian Silberman, who shied away from Louisville after their coaching change to ultimately transfer to the Heights. Today, we learn from multiple media sources that Tyler Murphy, previously a backup quarterback at The Swamp, is set to enroll at Boston College shortly.

He is a Florida graduate, and as such is eligible to play immediately. Murphy is the third Florida Gator, following other fifth-year seniors Matt Patchan and Silberman, to reunite with their former offensive coordinator in Chestnut Hill. Patchan’s one-year stint with the Eagles is already complete.

Murphy will absolutely be in the mix to start in 2014, and may even be the frontrunner at this stage. With Chase Rettig gone, the field to replace him is wide open. Had Murphy not transferred to Boston College, the two most likely candidates would have been redshirt freshman James Walsh and true freshman Darius Wade, the latter of whom just enrolled with several other 2014 recruits. Redshirt freshman quarterback Mack Lowrie officially left the program in recent days, clearing the deck somewhat, but Murphy’s entry changes its complexion entirely.

If Murphy gets the job, this would allow Addazio to redshirt Wade, whom many believe could be “the guy” going forward. If not, Murphy could be an experienced insurance policy for whichever freshman gets the call. Senior Josh Bordner will most likely not be a serious candidate at this stage, as Murphy is the more game-experienced player, and there are two younger prime candidates also vying for the spot.

Indications are that Murphy is a serviceable quarterback who adds needed depth to the roster at this position. He was injured during the 2013 campaign, but it is believed he will be ready to go for spring football.

With the addition of Silberman on what was already projecting to be a senior-packed offensive line and incoming talent like DE Harold Landry, DB Isaac Yiadom, and RB Marcus Outlow, amongst others, there is a real chance that the Eagles will not see a sharp drop-off from 2013 to 2014. This move could also buy Darius Wade that extra year to prepare. There is no downside to this move for Boston College whatsoever.

Welcome to Boston, Tyler.