Dickson County quarterback Jacob Murphree has been the bright spot for Dickson County in what has been an underwhelming season for the Cougars, who are currently 1-7 with two games to go.
The senior, however, continues to put up big numbers throughout the season.
According to MaxPreps, he’s currently in the top 20 in the nation (1st in the state of Tennessee) in passing yards with 2,701 to his name, averaging 337 per contest. If he continues to pass for his average in the final two games, he’ll finish the season with close to 3,400 passing yards. If he reaches that mark, he could climb into the TSSAA state record books in the top 10 for passing yards in a season. He could also ascend into the top 10 in career passing attempts if he surpasses 875, as he currently sits at 728.
So why has Murphree been so successful in the air? There are a couple of reasons.
Receiving core: Dickson County has arguably one of the Mid-state’s most talented group of receivers. 2015 All-Region player Jack Sensing is on pace for over 1,000 receiving yards on the year and has seven receiving touchdowns to his name. All-purpose player Demotez Coleman has also become one of Murphree’s favorite targets. He has 10 total touchdowns so far and 624 total yards. Trey Grimes and Trey Weidman also have over 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns each. With so many weapons at his disposal, Murphree can spread the ball around and not key in on one specific wideout.
Playing catch-up: In five of Dickson County’s eight games, the Cougars have found themselves losing at halftime. The defense continues to give up 48 points and over 400 rushing yards per game. By falling behind so early, the offense has to play catch up with it’s opponent, and the quickest way it can do that is allow Murphree to throw the ball down the field.
Struggles on the ground: Dickson County has had a tough time establishing the run throughout the course of the season, which forces Murphree to make an adjustment and throw through the air. They’re only averaging 109 rushing yards per game and their leading rusher, Andrew Stanford, averages 57 yards a game. Both him and Coleman have only gone over 100 rushing yards once each in a game this season.
Murphree will look to continue his possible historic season Friday, as the Cougars play Clarksville at home.
Reach Andy Simmons on Twitter @AndyDHTN
Dickson County quarterback Jacob Murphree fires a completion against Brentwood.