PI EXCLUSIVE: 2026 Wide Receiver Donovan Murph Breaks Down NC State Junior Day Experience

2026 Wide Receiver Donovan Murph (6’3″/180) visited NC State for their Junior Day last Saturday, and I caught up with him to get his take on the experience.

Can you describe what the format of the day was? What did you do?

They provided food in the beginning of the day and then the coaches were introduced to everyone. The parents and the players were broken up into groups and I had position meetings starting off with the whole offensive staff, and then I broke up with my position Coach Joker Phillips.

What was your favorite part of the experience?

My favorite part was the group with Coach joker. I learned a lot of things from him that I will be able to take back and add to my game.

Were you able to have any conversations with the coaching staff? If so, how did that go? What’s their recruiting pitch to you? What’s your relationship like with them?

I was able to speak with Coach Joker and Coach Doeren and they spoke to me about the environment and how they will help me become a better man and a better football player in the process at NC State. So that was great, because it showed me that it’s not all about football to them. I have a great relationship with the coaches and I am excited to continue building that relationship.

Where does NC State currently stand in your recruitment? What schools are currently ranking the highest for you?

NC state is doing a great job in my recruitment and making me feel at home when I’m there. All the schools I have been offered by are doing a great job as well. As I take more visits and build more relationships I’ll get a better understanding of all the programs that believe in me.

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NC State offered Murph a scholarship back on November 7th, making them the 2nd school to do so. Prior to visiting NC State on January 20th, he held offers from South Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia, Penn St. and others. Since then, he has picked up offers from UNC, Cincinnati and Colorado.

As a Sophomore this past year at Irmo High School (Columbia, South Carolina), Murph had 57 receptions for 1,084 yards and 17 touchdowns.