Murtha is a prototypical smart, big and strong Nebraska lineman, but it's been tough for him to stay on the field. He missed the first two games of last season with a staph infection and the final two games with a sprained foot, the last four games of 2007 with a foot injury and his entire freshman season with various ailments (bruised calf, hamstring, shoulder).

Murtha did start games in all four of his seasons in Lincoln, at left and right tackle. His size, strength and relative athleticism make him a solid late-round pick or priority free agent at right tackle.

Positives: Prototypical height for right tackle spot. Short steps and quick set-up in pass protection. Uses his length and kick-slide to stone outside pass rush moves. Comes out of his stance adequately, and can get movement in short-yardage situations. Sustains blocks inside through the whistle. Latches onto defenders at second level. Can get the inside shoulder of tackles to keep them from run plays going away from him. Sells the bootleg.

Negatives: Stiff in the upper body. Lacks the foot speed to recover on inside moves. Inconsistent speed to get to the second level; lumbers on some plays and looks fluid on others. Overextends when pass rushers free themselves after the initial blow. Slow and ineffective on cut blocks, whether on the line or trying to reach a blitzer on the outside. Needs better second effort if quarterback scrambles away from him. Injury history is a major issue.

Honorable Mention All--Big 12. Murtha is one of four returning offensive linemen who made at least eight starts a year ago. Murtha started eight games and has 14 career starts entering his senior campaign. Murtha was a key part of a Husker offensive line that allowed the NU offense to set school passing records in 2007 by averaging better than 323 yards per game through the air. In addition to finishing seventh nationally in passing offense, the Huskers ranked ninth in total offense. The line was also strong in run blocking, allowing Marlon Lucky to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing barrier. Murtha's injury-plagued career continued as a toe injury forced him to miss the season's final four games.

Murtha played in all 14 games, and drew starting assignments at left tackle against Missouri, Colorado and Auburn. Murtha helped protect quarterback Zac Taylor, who set Nebraska single-season records with 3,197 passing yards and 26 touchdowns. The offensive line also helped pave the way for four Husker I-backs who gained more than 2,400 yards and ran for 26 touchdowns as a group. In addition to his play at tackle, Murtha also was a member of the Huskers' PAT and field goal units.

Murtha played in nine games, including three starts at left tackle. Murtha provided depth behind Cornealius Fuamatu-Thomas before moving into the starting lineup against Oklahoma. Late in the season, Murtha split time with Chris Patrick after Fuamatu-Thomas was lost for the year with an injury. The play of the offensive line helped Nebraska post the top two passing efforts in school history in 2005.

Murtha was looked at to possibly play as a true freshman, but suffered a leg injury early in fall camp and subsequently redshirted.

2004: Sat out his freshman season dealing with calf, hamstring and shoulder injuries.

2007: Missed the final four games with a foot injury.

2008: Missed the first two games with a staph infection and the final two games with a sprained foot.

Murtha joined Hutchinson High School teammate Nathan Swift in becoming the first players from Minnesota to sign with Nebraska since 1995. In 2003, Murtha helped Hutchinson and Coach Andy Rostberg to a 9-4 record and a state runner-up finish in Class 4A (second-largest). Murtha helped pave the way for Swift to rush for more than 2,000 yards as a senior tailback. Murtha was a first-team all-state selection by several outlets, including Associated Press. He was an all-metro pick in the Minneapolis area each of his final two seasons and was named the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year in 2003. A three-year starter, he helped Hutchinson to the state semifinals as a junior in 2002, after making a trip to the playoffs as a sophomore in 2001.

Murtha was ranked as the nation's No. 1 offensive tackle prospect by ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Lemming. Murtha was one of three 2004 Husker recruits who participated in the U.S. Army All-American Game.

Murtha was also one of Minnesota's top shot putters. In his first year of track competition in 2003, he finished third at the state meet with a throw of 57-6, before finishing fifth in 2004. He was also an Honor Roll member his final two years and was a youth leader at his church.

The son of Bill and Kim Murtha, Lydon was born in Homestead, Fla., on Nov. 13, 1985. He is majoring in economics, and was named to the 2004 Big 12 Commissioner's Fall Honor Roll. Murtha has volunteered his time with local hospital visits and at the Legacy Retirement Center.

Injury Report

2004: Sat out his freshman season dealing with calf, hamstring and shoulder injuries.

2007: Missed the final four games with a foot injury.

2008: Missed the first two games with a staph infection and the final two games with a sprained foot.