With their Linfield University graduation now just four months away, the departure of multi-year all-star football players Devon Murray, Connor McNabb and Colton Smith marks a significant point in history for the Wildcats football program.
 
Linfield's "triplets" take with them 48 percent of the team's 2023 offensive production. Their collective contributions are expected to be missed not only on the stat sheet, but also in the areas of leadership, competitiveness and personality.
 
The three program cornerstones helped Linfield achieve a 44-7 win-loss record across their five years in the program while leading the Wildcats to three Northwest Conference championships.
 
Linfield coach Joseph Smith had ample praise for all three fifth-year Wildcats.
 
"Having three of the top eight all-time touchdown makers at Linfield on the field at the same time is so very unique and special. It speaks to the schematic system, our strength & conditioning program, and the quality of the overall program itself to attract quality players and develop those players at a high rate. Had they not been surrounded by great players at all positions, the team would not have executed well enough to have three such players reach those heights simultaneously.
 
"The last four seasons have been exceptionally productive and I am so proud of all who have contributed. From the trainers and managers keeping our players healthy to the scout teams preparing our team to their utmost. During this same time, our defense has led the country in sacks, been near the top in run defense and scoring defense as well as third-down efficiency. We had a quarterback in Wyatt Smith who set most of our passing records and Travis Swanson nearly achieve the marks of All-Americans Eric Hedin and Alex Hoff. And as a team, we have put together four squads that were worthy to stand toe-to-toe with the best in the country and be measured."

In tribute to the three veteran players, here's a look back at their accomplishments:
 
CONNOR McNABB, RUNNING BACK
Three-time first team All-NWC
Two-time Linfield Best Offensive Player
2023 Linfield Most Valuable Player
 
IN THE LINFIELD RECORD BOOK:
7^th Career Rushing Yards: 2,252
8^th Career Rushing TDs: 24
8^th Career Average/Carry: 5.68
8^th Career All Purpose Yards: 3,357
10^th Career Carries: 396
 
COACH JOSEPH SMITH'S COMMENTS
"We targeted Connor early as someone we had to build the program around. Getting him away from Western Oregon where his father played, is one of our great accomplishments. Connor achieved so very much during his time at Linfield. He was a leader by example and was tough as all get out. Connor has a great intensity about him, and as with most great backs when he ran the football, he inspired our football team. He ran with passion and a quiet fury that everyone yearned to watch.
 
"He was dominant out of the backfield as a receiver, catching long passes on mismatched linebackers, and running option routes and check downs and turning them in to long gains as well. Connor shared carries for two seasons with Connor Morton, so just as with so many of our great players, their statistics were not as high as teams with only one option. What a pair they were as well. Connor McNabb could flat block and his toughness was critical in our passing game both in the pocket and on sprints. Connor is one of the top 10 backs ever to play at Linfield, finishing No. 7 or 8 in many record categories. To be amongst names in the record book such as:Ad Rutschman, Drake Conti, Spencer Payne, Carl Haberberger, Thomas Ford, Gary McGarvie, David Russell, Marty Williams, Jim Massey and more, is an honor."

DEVON MURRAY, WIDE RECEIVER
Three-time first team all-NWC honoree
 
IN THE LINFIELD RECORD BOOK
3^rd in Career Receiving Touchdowns: 32
5^th in Career Touchdowns Scored: 32
6^th in Career Receptions: 147
5^th in Career Receptions/Game: 4.74
12^th in Career Receiving Yardage: 1,819
 
COACH SMITH'S COMMENTS
Devon showed so much potential as soon as he stepped on the field.  He had great hands, a long frame, and showed exceptional awareness at receiver.  He understood how to create relative speed advantages and could find windows in zones so effectively.  Devon just needed to fill out and develop.  Devon used his FR year and the covid training year to do just that and his final three seasons as Linfield were spectacular. He improved upon his game every year, adding more functionality to his breaks and adding new move here or there, never tiring of trying to master his craft. Devon was dominant in the Red Zone. I believe as he began to smell the end zone, his strength grew. He could catch the football in traffic, and he could take the hits. Devon was part of one of the finest receiving corps we have ever had and his records reflect that. To defensive backs all over the country, Devon was aptly named the "Slim Reaper" by Coach Elliott."

COLTON SMITH, WIDE RECEIVER
Four-time All-NWC, three-time first team honoree
2019 NWC Rookie of the Year
2019 Linfield Rookie of the Year
Two-time Linfield Most Inspirational Player
2022 Resilience Award Winner
 
IN THE LINFIELD RECORD BOOK
Highest receiving totals for a true freshman 2019 (52 receptions for 820 yards and 11 TDs)
2^nd in Career Receptions- 203 receptions
2^nd in Career Receiving Touchdowns: 35
3^rd in Career Touchdowns Scored: 37
5^th in Career Scoring: 222
4^th in Career Receiving Yardage: 2,607
4^th in Career Receptions/Game: 4.95 Receptions/Game
 
COACH SMITH'S COMMENTS
"Colton was the most prolific receiver in the Oregon his junior and senior year of high school. I could not believe he chose Linfield over several FCS schools that recruited him. He exploded on the scene by dominating upperclassman all over the country and becoming one of a four-man receiving corps that led NCAA Division III in passing. At the end of the year he became the No. 1 option in the best passing attack in the country. It was the best true freshman year I have seen at Linfield.
 
"A lingering overuse injury from high school progressed into a very serious one that plagued Colton during his four years at Linfield, forcing him to adapt and create new ways to run with that injury. I have seen few players have to endure and overcome as many obstacles and roadblocks and yet still be dominant on the field in games. His competitive fire and intensity were a joy to watch. Watching No. 3 find a new gear and run down deep balls will be etched in my mind forever. Getting to watch Colton play with his brother Wyatt was a gift and I am grateful to have been able to be a part of that.
 
"Being a four-year All-NWC performer is so rare here and doing it without a redshirt freshman year is something I have not seen. Trailing only Casey Allen and Joey Rector as Wildcats to score more career touchdowns is surreal. And to trail only the great Casey Allen in many receiving records is a great honor. Coach (Brett) Elliott recruited Colton to Linfield and told him, if he came, he would likely break every receiving record we had. Injury and circumstance ultimately kept that from happening, but Colton finishes as one of the best we have ever had play."
 
Even with the graduation of his three offensive mainstays, Coach Smith remained upbeat about the future, saying "This program is healthy, it is strong, and it is highly motivated. We are training now."