TAMPA — O.J. Murdock, a former Middleton High standout wide receiver, has died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to a media alert sent out by the Tampa Police Department on Monday morning, Murdock, who signed a free agent deal with the Tennessee Titans a year ago, was transported to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition. His body was found in his car in front of Middleton High School around 8:30 a.m. An updated release said he had died at 10:43 a.m.
“This is just surprise,” said former Middleton coach Harry Hubbard, adding Murdock seemed in great spirits when he ran into him at last fall’s Blake-Middleton football game. “I don’t know if something else is involved or not. That just knocks me off my feet.”
Murdock, who initially landed at South Carolina after high school but was dismissed from the squad by coach Steve Spurrier after being charged with grand theft, eventually played at Division II Fort Hays State. He had a breakout season there, compiling 1,290 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns.
As a high school senior, Murdock was ranked the nation’s 10th-ranked receiver by Rivals, and chose South Carolina over Florida. He was the Tampa Bay Times’ top bay area prospect in the Class of 2005, after catching 58 passes for 831 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior. Murdock was also a state track standout that year, winning gold in the 100 and 200 meters.
“I’m going to always remember his smile and just his warmth,” said Hubbard, who coached Murdock for three seasons at Middleton. “Every time he would see me he would always have a big smile and laugh when we talked and everything. … Truly, he was probably one of the best athletes that I’ve ever coached. Personally, I always remember that smile.”
Murdock, who was on injured reserve last season with the Titans after injuring his Achilles’, had not reported to camp this month for personal reasons.
No further information was immediately available.
Courtesy the Tampa Bay Times
http://www.tampabay.com/hometeam/blog/ex-middleton-star-oj-murdock-dies/14286/