Coming over from Executive Education to Whitehall, Josiah Murray knew it would be a smooth transition.

Murray played middle school football with most teammates before he transferred during the winter of his freshman year to the Allentown-based school. He did play his freshman year for the Zephyrs.

He began playing because of his friends, and the desire to try something new.

“I started playing football in seventh grade,” said Murray. “How I started was because all my friends were playing and I wanted to try something new.”

“It was a pretty easy transition because I know pretty much everyone on the team since I played with them in middle school.”

This fall, Murray again will be a Zephyr, being a fullback and middle linebacker for head coach Andy Marino’s squad.

Marino already has been impressed with the 5-10, 220-pound senior.

“He is having a great summer,” beamed Marino. “He’s finding his niche as our middle linebacker.

“We look forward to seeing him play this year.”

Murray also is enjoying the summer.

“My summer is going amazing being able to hang out with friends,” beamed Murray. “I definitely worked on my coverage skills, so that I’m able to guard those quick running backs out of the backfield.

“This year I definitely see myself as the power guy willing to go and take on blocks out the back field and on defense meet those pulling guards.”

Last season at Executive Education, Murray played in six games on defense and recorded 62 tackles. He also played tight end.

Murray also plays basketball and does the triple and long jump for track. He was influenced in his youth by watching NFL players Tom Brady, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mike Tolbert.

His favorite moment was in eighth grade.

“In eighth grade, our football team almost went undefeated,” said Murray. “But we had a lot of fun being around each other.”

Murray has viewed football as a means to deal with his life.

“Football helps you learn how to handle hard situations, working through your problems,” reflected Murray. “Whether it’s a bad play or being down in the fourth quarter, football teaches you to find a mental toughness that you never knew you had.”