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Plant's Murray Could Play Friday

Tribune photo by BILL WARD

Aaron Murray may be able to play Friday for Plant in the state 4A semifinals.

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By KATHERINE SMITH | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2008

Updated: 12/09/2008 11:44 am

The sight of No. 11 back on the football field prompted a lot of shout outs Monday night at Plant High's football practice.

As quarterback Aaron Murray put on pads for the first time since breaking his left leg and dislocating his ankle, his teammates welcomed him with whistles and cheers.

"Uh, oh, Superman's back," defensive back Javonte Martin hollered.

Murray didn't leap tall buildings with a single bound, but what he did during Monday's practice was none the less remarkable.

The senior quarterback, who is heading to the University of Georgia next month, is attempting to do what many thought improbable. Less than two months after suffering what was thought to be a season-ending injury, Murray could play in Friday's Class 4A state semifinal game.

Thursday will mark eight weeks since Murray suffered a broken leg and a dislocated ankle in the second quarter of the Oct. 16 game against Hillsborough. He had surgery on Oct. 24 and began rehabilitation on Oct. 30. And it was only last week that Murray got rid of the crutches and plastic protective boot.

Murray originally was told the healing process would take six months. Then after his surgery, the timeline dwindled to three months. Murray did his own research and came up with a different number.

"For some reason, I looked up Terrell Owens because I thought he had a similar injury [last year]," Murray said. "It ended up being the same injury and it took six weeks. I was joking that I'd be back in six weeks, but I never really thought it would happen. I was just joking around."

What Murray was able to do during Monday's practice was no joke. With his left ankle wrapped heavily in tape, Murray took about 50 percent of the snaps.

"There was much more precision than I could ever have imagined," Plant coach Robert Weiner said. "We had a tremendous day of practice. It took him about 10 throws. He was a little rusty on the first couple of throws and afraid to put pressure on the first couple of throws. It took him about 10 throws, then he got back in rhythm."

Weiner said they will evaluate Murray the next couple of days before making a decision whether he'll play. Christopher Arrigo, one of the physical therapists at Advanced Rehabilitation, will check Murray today to determine whether he can play Friday.

There is precedent for Murray's quick healing. He tore his right labrum muscle during his sophomore season. He rehabilitated with the same vigor as this injury and came back a month early.

Advanced Rehabilitation in Hyde Park has been Murray's home away from home. For two hours, either before school or after school, Murray worked out with physical therapists. He worked out in a pool. He did everything they told him to do.

Monday morning, in preparation for his return to practice, Murray went through a rigorous workout

"It was his goal to come back, that he'd be back if the team got this far," Murray's mother Lauren said. "So, I'm not surprised. If Aaron sets a goal, he gets it.

"He wills himself to get better. He'll put the work in. If he wants something bad enough, he can get it"

Murray wants to play Friday night. A win against Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer and the Panthers are in the state championship game for the second time in three years.

"It would be awesome," he said. "It would be fun being out there with my teammates again, being the leader that I've always wanted to be this whole year. It will be a lot of fun just to be out there playing with my friends and teammates and brothers. I'm praying. I'm hoping. I've just got to keep working hard and hopefully God allows me to do it."

Reporter Katherine Smith can be reached at (813) 259-7860.

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