CORVALLIS — Even if it was a miss, it was a sign of progress.

New Oregon State quarterback Maalik Murphy took a deep shot on the very first play of Saturday’s spring game, overthrowing a wide open Darrius Clemons on a would-be touchdown.

While Murphy wants it back, knowing he has the touch to finish those plays off, the Beavers are encouraged. After a 2024 season of mostly subpar quarterback play with limited downfield success, they can actually draw up those explosive plays now given the Duke transfer Murphy’s arm talent.

Execution is expected to come with time.

“The competitive part of you wishes you hit more of those vertical throws,” OSU offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson said. “That has been a major point of emphasis for us this spring. There was some good stuff on offense last year, but we were not explosive. We need to hit bigger shots down the field, we need to win, we need to break tackles on long runs just every now and then to be more explosive.”

Murphy was efficient and showcased quick decision-making on short and intermediate throws, particularly up the middle of the field. He took and missed a few other deep shots, and eventually connected with a wide-open Cooper Jensen for a 30-yard touchdown — the only trip to paydirt on the day for the Beavers’ offense as Murphy faced constant pressure behind a banged-up offensive line.

Murphy also utilized his legs, finding gaps to scamper for a pair of quarterback keepers in the second quarter. That won’t likely be a regular thing for the 6-5 Murphy in the fall, particularly with fleet-footed Gabarri Johnson expected to contribute on the ground as the presumptive backup quarterback, but it was a good wrinkle for the Beavers to test regardless.

“Gabarri has had a heck of a spring, and Gabarri is going to play,” OSU head coach Trent Bray said. “Whether he’s QB1 or not, we’ve got two really great quarterbacks who can both be in the game — even at the same time. We’ve got a lot of ways to utilize them, which is exciting in how our playbook can grow with the two of them.”

Murphy’s leadership in the spring was mentioned by both Bray and Gunderson as a positive. His success last season at Duke — including a 9-3 record, nearly 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns to 12 interceptions — appears to have created a foundation of confidence as well.

But it’s a calm confidence, Gunderson explained.

“As you guys can tell with Maalik, big smile, good mood, but when you’re in that huddle, it matters. He is super competitive,” Gunderson said. “He’s got a great personality and great leadership ability, which I thought was an issue for us on offense (last year). I don’t want to be the leader for us on offense. We want to be player-led, and he’s got a spirit about that.”

Murphy acknowledged that the spring game wasn’t perfect, and spoke more about his misses than his hits. He expressed a desire to keep putting in extra work with his new receivers to build a rapport this summer, throwing at night on their own time after completing required work in the weight room.

The line to get autographs and photos with Murphy stretched more than 20 yards on Saturday, even as most players, family and fans had already cleared the field. He made time for each person with an air of humility and kindness, his family looking on while wearing orange and black No. 6 jerseys.

The offense is still a work in progress, but the starting point for OSU’s quarterback position feels much further along and on more solid ground with Murphy.

“Everything takes reps, and of course as spring goes on, I’ve gotten more and more reps,” Murphy said. “I feel like I’ve gotten better, the people around me have gotten better, and the whole offense has gotten better. These last two practices have been our best practices of the spring. Today wasn’t perfect, but we did a lot of good things, and I’m excited for what we can do this fall.”

— Ryan Clarke covers college sports for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at RClarke@Oregonian.com or on Twitter/X: @RyanTClarke. Find him on Bluesky: @ryantclarke.bsky.social.