Written by: Drew Johnson (@RealNews102)
Polk County is a known hotbed for producing real deal talent and 2025 DB Tavares Murray will add to a growing list of rising prospects in the class. He’s picked up big-time D1 offers this offseason including Central Michigan, FIU, and Duquesne, with many more in the mix.
This kid put in the work to tweak his frame and technique which I think will get him to the next level. He’s been a growing voice and leader on Bartow High School’s defense which has put together a talented secondary group. At 5-10, 175-pounds, Murray can tackle, cover in various schemes, is versatile to move around, and has all the tools to be an impactful DB for a college program.
*Watch full interview on YouTube for more: The Rundown DR7
RECRUITMENT TALK:
Schools Showing Most Love:
Central Michigan: Coach Robb Akey the defensive coordinator and DB Coach has been talking to me the most. Good relationship with them, they want to use me in the box and nickel area. I feel like that will probably be a perfect fit for me. Like Coach Tyler Eden always says “culture”. They have a big culture up there.
Duquesne: Coach Mikey Jacobs always talking to me about how practice and stuff is going. He came to one of my practices. That’s when I got the offer, he loved me. It’s a lot of Polk County kids up there. I feel like that would be a good fit for me too.
EKU: Eastern Kentucky coaches always stay tuned. They love Bartow kids and are trying to get a lot of Polk County kids. I’ll probably take a visit up there this summer.
IN-STATE SCHOOLS: One to watch*
FIU: I’m going to a camp for them. I feel like that would be a great fit. Right now it’s them because my auntie went there. She played softball with FIU. That would be a good fit for me. I went up there last summer for a camp and loved it. The facilities are good and I like the stadium.
IVY LEAGUE UNIVERSITIES:
UPENN: I talk to them mostly every day. They just want me to come up there. I’m interested in going there too because I know if you go to UPENN you make a lot of money for their academics.
*Watch full interview on YouTube for more: The Rundown DR7
Off-season Work: You seem to have added some weight and look fluid in coverage – what were some things you worked on heading into the spring?
Heading into the spring I worked on gaining weight and learning coverages, studying film basically. Studying my film and building a good frame. We have a good strength coach this year and he’s been helping us out.
For college coaches and the readers T Murr: Just break down your game, what do you do well at the defensive back position and what separates you from other prospects in your class?
What separates me from other prospects is that I study film well and know everything. I have a good IQ and when I’m at free safety I’m talking. A good leader on and off the field and my grades are always going to stay good.
Position: What position are you most comfortable playing right now, I see you move around a lot.
I feel I can play both (Safety/Nickel) but my people always told me to stay ready. When I go to college I feel I’m going to play nickel and be in the box more because I can cover and tackle. Basically I can do everything, free safety or nickel.
*Watch full interview on YouTube for more: The Rundown DR7
Spring Ball: You guys went 7-5 last season but return a lot of talent especially in the secondary? How do you feel the spring went for Bartow?
We’re headed in a great direction. We have younger guys this year and I have to step up. My leadership is going to be perfect this year. Secondary group is young but I’m leading them all the way. As a whole team, I feel like this might be our best year. Everybody is on the same page and grouping up together. We Coming.
*Watch full interview on YouTube for more: The Rundown DR7
DREW’S FAST FIVE:
Favorite Football Player ALL TIME: Derwin James
Favorite PreGame song: Bossman D Lo – Pressure
Best post game meal: Zaxby’s
Favorite movie or tv show: All-American
What’s your Best skill: Coverage skills
Follow: @RealNews102 & @THEPLATFORMDR
*Listen to Full Interview on Youtube: The Rundown DR7
