Recency Bias: Inside recruitment of Alabama commit Dawson Merritt via 5x Super Bowl Champion
Alabama received a commitment six days ago from Dawson Merritt, Top 100 EDGE from Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas. Merritt’s father, Dave (Bio) is the current defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs since 2019. Coach Merritt recently spoke with BOL to discuss the whirlwind of a recruiting journey built on trust and relationships.
The Merritt family took several unofficial visits before deciding to focus on two schools, Alabama and Nebraska. Coach Merritt shared what the visits were like during their time in Tuscaloosa. He also discussed how Caleb Downs played a role in Merritt’s decision, the moment when they did not expect to hear from Coach Kalen DeBoer, and why Coach David Ballou and Jeff Allen continue to serve as significant pieces in players choosing the University of Alabama.
Alabama had one early advantage in its pursuit. He was recruited by Coach DeBoer and Courtney Morgan (UA football general manager) at Washington. The relationship stems back to October 23, 2023 when Merritt was offered by the Huskies. The interest kept growing. The Merritts were looking forward to a future trip to Seattle, and then Nick Saban retired.
“They (Washington) were in the top five, kept climbing and then played in the national championship game,” Coach Dave Merritt recalled. “They continued recruiting Dawson during that time and we were planning to definitely take a trip to Washington.
“I text Coach DeBoer after the national championship. I gave him some positive words. He text me back a few days later. I went through that with the Super Bowls wins and losses. Win or lose you are going to receive hundreds, if not thousands, of texts. You don’t get a chance to get back to everyone, but he responded.
“Dawson thought Coach DeBoer was gonna get the Alabama job the whole time. I thought it would be Kirby Smart or someone who worked with Nick Saban. He (DeBoer) then gets the job, and I told my wife that our relationship with them was shot. I didn’t think we would hear from them again.”
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Alabama visit was different
Alabama LB target Dawson Merritt
Alabama offered Merritt on February 14. It was an immediate satisfaction for Merritt who described the Crimson Tide a “dream offer” shortly after it was delivered.
The one phrase consistent throughout the conversation with Coach Merritt, ‘recency bias’. The entire Merritt family had to recognize it after each visit to not get caught up in the moment.
“It’s human nature,” he said. “You visit a place during the spring and all of a sudden loving it. You think it’s where you want to be, but then you go somewhere else. That even happens in relationships.”
The No. 100 recruit per the On3 Industry Player Rankings took several spring visits including multiple trips to Alabama and Nebraska. Missouri and Oklahoma also received visits. Ole Miss, however, was the first SEC visit (3/21) for Merritt’s father. Dawson and his mother, Yolonda, had taken previous visits, but this was the first opportunity for the NFL coach.
“I got caught up with the recency bias,” Merritt said. “I was thinking how nice it was on campus. Eli Manning and I were texting each other (Coach Merritt also coached with the New York Giants, winning two Super Bowls). He was all excited that Dawson was visiting Ole Miss, and hoped he would give them a fair shot.
“We went out and watched practice. I said you really can’t beat this. I was looking around campus. I saw Lane Kiffin and how the coaches were out there coaching the players. It was all great. Dawson and mom kept telling me to wait. I needed to see it all. I thought you can’t beat Ole Miss.”
The visit with the Rebels took place on March 21. They traveled to Tuscaloosa the following day. Coach Merritt said upon arriving at the football facility he quickly understood this was different, “and I fell in love with Alabama.” The facilities were beyond impressive, but what sold the family on the Crimson Tide was the first meeting with Coach DeBoer.
“During our first trip to Tuscaloosa we stood on the deck outside of Coach Saban’s old office, which is now Coach DeBoer’s new office. We stayed out there for over an hour and a half just overlooking the practice field talking with Coach DeBoer. Nobody else even knew we were out there.
“It was a very organic conversation which may have been five-percent football related. My wife was asking a bunch of questions. It was like they were playing tennis with each other. I thought at the time- this is it! It was pretty cool. I knew then that it was going to be Alabama just from standing there and talking with him.
“I think mom wanted to sign the papers on the first visit. She had been to a few other places with Dawson. Mom walked away thinking the support staff with Courtney (Morgan) and the staff he hired will be better for Dawson. I didn’t really understand what she was talking about at first until I went to a few other places. Nebraska also has a heck of a support staff as well. Mom was on board from day one. She had to pull her eyes back a little bit and stop going off recency bias.”
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Merritt didn’t rush into a decision
Dawson Merritt with Alabama freshman, Cayden Jones, during official visit
Merritt attended the Nebraska spring game April 13. He returned to Alabama for a two-day unofficial visit the following weekend. It was during that visit where many felt like the Tide had taken a significant lead in his recruitment. He decided to cancel official visits to Missouri and Oklahoma, while moving the Nebraska official visit to April 26-28.
“Matt Rhule and I coached together with the New York Giants,” Merritt’s father shared regarding the initial interest in the Cornhuskers. “Our wives knew each other and had become friends, but I told Matt the only reason we were even visiting Nebraska was because of him.
“We then visited and saw everything they have to work with, especially with the new facilities. It was tough for Dawson to call and tell them his decision. The whole staff did a wonderful job, and Dawson was torn. He drug the decision out about 6-8 weeks longer than he expected and that’s because of the relationship he had, and how much each school wanted him.”
“You see kids committing and then decommitting. They can now take unlimited official visits. He didn’t want to do that. He only took two officials, Alabama and Nebraska. It came down to the relationships with the staff. He didn’t care about the history of the programs or the recent success. He wanted to go through the process, and we are so happy that he did. He can wake up every morning and live with that decision.”
There was a 40-day gap between the official visit to Nebraska, and final visit with Alabama on June 7-9. That’s an eternity in the recruiting world. Alabama was starting its astounding run to a current No. 2 ranked recruiting class, and was hoping for great news from Merritt.
“We were at the stadium overlooking the football field (Saturday night of the OV),” Merritt said. “Coach DeBoer asked how Dawson was feeling with it being his third time there. Dawson told Coach DeBoer that he’d like to take some time and sleep on it. Coach DeBoer joked around and said ‘we have an office here inside the stadium. They can put a bed in it and let him take a nap (jokingly).’
“I then saw Dawson use recency bias on Coach DeBoer. There was nothing else to see at Alabama for me. I liked what I saw the first and second time. When he used the recency bias on Coach DeBoer I about wet my pants. I was so happy for him.
“I don’t think he knew at the time. He knew it felt right, but he was also holding it close to the vest. His mom and dad live with him, and we didn’t know. You would think he would talk and go all-in with his parents. I did not know what he was thinking- I kid you not, as an NFL coach and coach period I did not know what he was going to do.”
Merritt let the high emotions from the visit fade before he decided it was time to jump on the Alabama train. His family had dinner plans, and a family meeting set for later in the evening (June 18). Dawson informed his parents before dinner that he was ready to officially let Coach DeBoer know he was ready to commit.
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Others played important role
Top 100 overall prospect Dawson Merritt with his parents and Alabama’s Christian Robinson on his official visit with the Tide.
Alabama hired outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson on February 19. He quickly established a relationship with Merritt which his father described as who seems more than just a coach. The two talked several times each week for more than half an hour on each occasion.
“It’s been one of the better relationships I’ve ever seen as a recruiter even when I was coaching in college,” Coach Merritt stated. “They talk four-five times each week for at least 30 minutes each time. It’s almost like he’s talking to his girlfriend. These aren’t small conversations. They are deep.
“C-Rob has really done a great job,” he added. “We met his wife. They are expecting a baby girl. We are so excited for him starting his family. He’s talked about how he’s moved around, but is tired of moving. He’s very happy to be at Alabama. His dad is a former coach. I am glad that him and Dawson have connected the way they did.”
Coach Merritt noted how each school has great facilities and academic programs. It’s up to the student-athlete to put into what they want to get out of the resources and opportunities provided. What creates separation are the ones who will guide, teach, train, coach and provide any assistance needed.
The Merritts grew very fond of two staffers who were retained from the Nick Saban-era in Alabama Director of Sports Performance/Head Strength coach David Ballou, and Director of Sports Medicine Jeff Allen. They also seeked/received advice regarding Alabama from a former star player who transferred after Coach Saban’s retirement.
“I think what made it special for us is when we met Dave Ballou and Jeff Allen,” Coach Merritt said. “Those gentlemen made it special for us with how they welcomed and greeted us. He’ll spend more time with Coach Ballou than anyone. It’s not about the building, it’s about the people within the building; that’s similar to what we have with the Chiefs.
“They talked to us about what all they would do to help Dawson during his time at Alabama. Jeff Allen talked about how they spend $180k per athlete for anything they need from a medical standpoint. They can also take players to UAB if they ever need anything. When you hear all of that and then hear from Coach Ballou, and see the bodies walking around the facility you feel confident in what they are able to do.
“We talked with Caleb Downs, and Gary Downs about Alabama. My wife and Gary’s wife have been close friends for 30 years. Gary and I played together at N.C. State. He was two years behind me. You hear them talk about all the love they have for Alabama after transferring to Ohio State and the names they mentioned included Coach Ballou and Jeff Allen. It’s not about the building. It’s about the people, and that place is special.”
Proud family with legendary support network
Merritt’s father mentioned they were hoping to see N.C. State on the list of finalists, but they couldn’t crack the Top 10 even as a shout-out to his parents who are both Wolfpack graduates. Dawson spent the spring/summer focused on the schools of the most interest for his future, and his father certainly respected that choice.
Merritt worked out at the Chiefs’ facility with the strength and conditioning coaches this off-season. He’s been around the organization for years, so seeing players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce is normal. Dawson isn’t much of a Swiftee (Taylor Swift’s fans), but his father sang her praise from the kindness she expressed to everyone involved with the organization, especially many daughters including his own.
Coach Merritt appreciates Coach Andy Reid for allowing his son to train in an NFL environment which in some aspects is not different from Alabama.
Coach Merritt received many phone calls and texts congratulating Dawson on the commitment to Alabama including from three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Patrick Mahomes and 2x Super Bowl winner/NFL Hall of Famer, Michael Strahan.
Merritt also praised his son for having a great balance with his spiritual and personal life. The recent Tide commitment gathers teammates for bible study and to attend church. Dawson is in honors classes at Blue Valley High School and on track to graduate in December.
His father also said, “He has a personality that is infectious. You want to be around him. If someone is by themselves he will go out of his way to make sure the kid feels welcomed. He reaches out to people who may be in need. I am just happy to say I am the daddy of that young man. He’s gonna do great things in life.”
Merritt will return with his mother for the July 28 cook-out at Alabama. The final recruiting event of the summer in Tuscaloosa. Coach Merritt won’t attend since he has obligations for training camp with the Chiefs. He is comfortable and excited about Dawson’s future in Tuscaloosa, and believes recency bias with the Crimson Tide will remain for a long time.
“Dawson went through the process where he weighed the pros and cons of each school. He was able to filter out some of the voices that were talking to him. I told him to trust a whisper. Trust the spirit of the Lord that will lead you in the right direction.
“He did a great job of weighing the pros and cons when he got down to it. He said when is 50-years old he can see himself continuing to wear that ‘A’ on his chest and be proud of it. Not that he wouldn’t be proud of the other schools, but he made a decision that was only his to make. He made the decision, not me, and took it by the horn.”
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