WATCH: Texas QB commit Maalik Murphy hurdles over defender

Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra quarterback Maalik Murphy is one of the most athletic signal-callers in the 2022 class, and he showed that off on Friday night.

In Serra’s final game of the season against Liberty-Bakersfield, Murphy escaped the pocket to his right and hurdled a defender before scooting out of bounds. He was, however, called for a penalty because hurdling a defender is not legal under California high school rules.

They didn’t have to call that🙄 https://t.co/3iBaUzxAl3 pic.twitter.com/QElLL4F94i

— Maalik Murphy (@SmvOperator) December 12, 2021

Murphy is the No. 191 prospect in the 2022 class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 13 quarterback and the No. 15 prospect in California.

As a senior, Murphy has completed 64 percent of his passes while throwing for 2,780 yards and 21 touchdowns. He’s also added 38 carries for 72 yards and six scores on the ground.

His performance down the stretch caught the eye of Justin Wells of Inside Texas, who had high praise for his development.

“It’s not just that Murphy’s numbers have significantly improved for Serra. The 6-foot-6 passer has started to look more comfortable hanging in the pocket on late-developing routes and overall is processing the game at a much higher level,” Wells said. “Another positive for Murphy’s deep playoff run is that Maalik has gotten crucial reps and much needed game time in high-pressure situations. Murphy did not play much his sophomore year and California’s makeshift spring season due to COVID was hard to evaluate.”