Chris Murray, a fifth-year senior linebacker at Auburn, is positioning himself for a vital role following an injury to teammate JJ Faulk during preseason camp. The season opener against Baylor is set for September 5, and Murray is making a strong case for increased playing time alongside Da'Shawn Womack and Jared Smith.
Auburn's head coach, Alex Golesh, has praised Murray's recent performance, highlighting his impressive recovery after missing the initial week and a half of camp due to injury. Golesh remarked on Murray's competition for a starting spot, noting that the next few days are crucial for him.
Murray's football career started at TCU in 2021, where he played for two seasons. He then transferred to Sam Houston State for the 2023 and 2024 seasons before joining Auburn prior to the 2025 season. In his first year with the Tigers, he recorded 15 tackles, alongside 3.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss.
In March, he received a waiver from the NCAA for an additional sixth year of eligibility, allowing him to join the team late in the spring practice period.
Murray shared his thoughts on his experience, stating that being an older player allows him to guide younger teammates. As Auburn gears up for its upcoming scrimmage, the team is focused on finalizing its lineup for the opener against Baylor, with more details about Murray's contributions expected soon.
