Often times, when an older sibling finds success, it can be difficult for their younger counterparts to emerge from their shadows. Murphy Clement, however, is following directly in his brother's footsteps.
Murphy, a Class of 2024 quarterback and defensive back and younger brother of WVU standout wide receiver Hudson Clement, has already achieved many of the same accomplishments his older sibling has earned. First, he led Martinsburg (WV) High School to a Class AAA state championship this past fall, just as Hudson did in 2021.
Then, he earned one of the same prestigious awards as Hudson had, being named the 2023-24 Gatorade Football Player of the Year for West Virginia.
“Both of us will be on the wall in the gym,” Murphy told the press after earning the award.
Now, the pair can share one more accomplishment -- earning a spot on the roster at the flagship university in their home state. Following Hudson completing his breakout redshirt freshman season at WVU, brother Murphy announced on Twitter tonight that he has officially committed to the Mountaineers.
100% Committed! Lets Work! #takemehome24🔵🟡 @CoachChadScott @mhscoachsherman @CoachTylerAllen @coachdavewalker @RecruitMHSFB @_GranthamMHS @WVUFBRecruiting pic.twitter.com/pGntLC9YdH
— Murphy Clement (@murphy_clement2) February 6, 2024
Murphy was a three-time Class AAA all-state selection, and his senior season stat sheet reads a bit like video game numbers -- he tallied 2,801 yards of total offense and 39 total touchdowns through 14 games. 1,673 yards and 19 touchdowns worth of that offensive production came through the air, but an additional 1,128 yards and 20 touchdowns were earned with his legs.
"We went as he went," Martinsburg head coach Dave Walker told the Martinsburg Journal. "Kind of by design. This year, being able to take all the reps as the No. 1 guy allowed him to get into the flow and rhythm in our games."
When Martinsburg rolled past Huntington (WV) High School in the playoffs this past year, opposing head coach Billy Seals couldn't help but be impressed with Murphy as well -- he kept it short and sweet when asked about his play.
"Murphy Clement is a really, really good football player," Seals told Coal Valley News.
After seeing the success starting WVU quarterback Garrett Greene has has this past season as a dual-threat option, it's easy to picture Murphy Clement fitting snugly into the offense as a potential option under center once Greene graduates next fall. The Mountaineers were clearly at their best and most comfortable offensively when utilizing quarterback run schemes this year, and Murphy could be the heir apparent -- he certainly demonstrates the same type of mobility as Greene.
Is it only a matter of time before we see Murphy Clement and Hudson Clement connecting on touchdown passes in front of a sold-out Milan Puskar Stadium? We'll likely find out over the next couple of years.