QB commit Jake Merklinger recaps Rocky Top OV
Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School quarterback Jake Merklinger chose Tennessee over North Carolina and others earlier this spring. This weekend, Merklinger was back in Knoxville on an official visit to build on his relationship with the staff and put in time as a peer recruiter. He detailed the weekend with Volquest.
“It was awesome,” Merklinger said of the visit. “We got to go to Top Golf, going to the lake and go tubing and be around other really good recruits and be back with the coaches. Being back on Rocky Top, it was awesome.”
Merklinger’s relationship with Joey Halzle and the assistants in Tennessee’s quarterback room has continued to grow since his commitment. Being around them again during the visit only further solidified his decision to choose the Vols.
“It 100 percent solidified my decision,” he said. “Being around those guys, I know it is Father’s Day, and I kind of view Coach Halzle like another father right now. We have a really good relationship. Then coach Mitch (Militello), I tell people all the time that he doesn’t get the credit he deserves. He is a really great football coach and really fun to be around. He was a huge part of my decision. I love that.”
He wore his peer recruiting hat this weekend with guys like Braylon Staley, and while he won’t be in town next weekend for Amari Jefferson and Mike Matthews visit, he has had consistent communication with them as well.
“Just come on home,” Merklinger said of his message to fellow recruits. “There is no place like Knoxville, Tennessee. We have a chance to build something. You can go to a place that may have already done something, or you can come here and be the first one to do it in a while. That is kind of my message.”
You can see Volquest’s full video interview with Jake Merklinger below:
On3 rates Merklinger as the 112th overall prospect and 8th-best quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class. The On3 Industry Rankings rank Merklinger as the nation’s 76th overall prospect and 8th-best quarterback.
Jake Merklinger’s On3 Scouting Evaluation
Accurate, functionally mobile passer with a strong feel for the game. Measured at around 6-foot-3, 195 pounds prior to his senior season. Hand size has been measured between 9 and 9.25 inches. Among the more accurate and efficient top quarterbacks in the 2024 cycle.Sees the field well, finding open receivers while under pressure. Shows the ability to quickly react and escape from pass rushers. Functional mobility both in and out of the pocket is among the best among top 2024 quarterbacks at this juncture. Throws with timing and touch. Sees the field well. Can pick up chunks of yards with his legs on designed runs and scrambles. Completed 67% of his passes for 1,987 yards and 32 touchdowns against 2 interceptions as a junior. Does not pass as much as many of his blue-chip peers but is very efficient, with a stellar 13.7 yards per attempt. Does not appear to be as naturally gifted as a pure passer as some other top quarterback prospects relative to arm strength and throwing mechanics. Also plays basketball for his high school.
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