VYPE:How did your football journey begin? How old were you and what drew you to the game?
Phoenix Murphy: My football journey began when I was about 5 years old, playing flag football. I think what drew me to the game was my dads influence on me. He played football all through his life. I’ve always looked up to him, so him being a football player definitely encouraged me to play. I stuck with it because it’s what I love to do.

VYPE: Were you “born” to play football? What were you natural at — and what did you have to work at?
PM: Yes I do think I was born to play football. God gave me this talent to play football and I’m just honoring him by continuing to work hard and play the game I love. I would say I was pretty natural moving around the field and just being an athlete. I definitely had to work on confidence in the pocket, working on my throwing motion, as well as just quarterback IQ.

VYPE: What were some of the biggest things you focused on as you stepped into the starting role?
PM: I definitely focused on leadership. Being able to gain the respect and trust from all my teammates was super important to me.

VYPE: Take me back to your first start — was it nerve-racking?
PM: Our biggest rivalry game is High vs North. First game of the season. This year we played at OU’s stadium so it was definitely nerve-racking. I think the school day before the game, I was more nervous then when I got there. Once I was on the field the nerves were gone.

VYPE: How do you feel like you’ve come along since then?
PM: I think I’ve made a lot of progress as a leader and quarterback. Day in day out the team comes in and puts in work. My mentality as a quarterback has gotten a lot better as well. Being able to wipe your slate and move on from mistakes is something I’m still improving on.

VYPE: Norman’s kind of like one of America’s football capitals. Do you feel that influence playing down the street from the Sooners on Friday nights?
PM: I try not to feel the influence as much, I think it’s great to be so close to such a good college. It’s definitely a good opportunity as well, very grateful to get opportunities like playing in the stadium and being able to be so close to the college.

VYPE: You guys have definitely had an interesting season, especially after nearly beating Santa Fe last week. Do you think you’re the most improved team in the state?
PM: I think we are just an underrated team. We have the talent and the weapons. When we click I think the state will see what we are really capable of.

VYPE: What do you hope to see happen with your recruiting over the next year?
PM: I’d love to be able to play at the next level. Being able to get an education and continue doing what I love is definitely the goal.

VYPE: What’s a piece of advice a coach, mentor or teacher has given you that stuck with you?
PM: I think as of recent, I’ve been thinking a lot about keeping my eyes downfield and on reads, instead of seeing the pressure. My quarterback coach/mentor, Charles Thompson, told me “feel the pressure and react.” That definitely stuck with me and will continue to stick with me.