Jake Merklinger Makes College Decision
Recruiting took a bit of an early start on Thursday. Top prospects often decide to announce their college intentions during the summer months after several college visits, but four-star 2024 quarterback Jake Merklinger decided that he was ready to end his process.
Merklinger decided between Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, and Michigan State. He had unofficial visits with each program after his junior season and decided that he had seen enough. Quarterbacks often shut down their recruitments early to help coaching staffs recruit other available prospects.
He committed to the University of Tennessee, marking the sixth 2024 commit the Vols have. Head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle made a strong impression on Merklinger, who placed a premium on their 2022 success and Hendon Hooker's leap.
Jake Merklinger, 2024 QB
Prospect: Jake Merklinger
Projected Position: Quarterback
Vitals: 6-3 and 190 pounds
School: Calvary Day School (Savannah, Georgia)
Frame: Merklinger utilizes his long frame when breaking contain and facing oncoming rushers. He stands tall in the pocket, and his confidence in his body is evident. He isn't imposing, yet Merklinger finds ways to make plays with his physicality.
Athleticism: Not going to shock you with long speed, but his short-area quickness and burst once hitting the open field is impressive. Merklinger has sound movement mechanics, overdriving through his front knee and getting maximum explosion.
Instincts: This will be an interesting case study once he arrives on campus. Merklinger can make strong, instinctual plays for an offense, but he needs a set of rules and confines to operate in. Can Heupel and Halzle create that environment for him? It will be the question that answers a lot of his career arc.
Polish: High school offense ran a lot of twin concepts that kept his eyes frontside with a dual progression. Rarely had to come off that front concept, but when he did there was a short outlet readily available. A scheme fit for the Vols offense but a bit raw as a processor and manager.
Bottom Line: Merklinger provides competition to an already talented room. You needed a backup to push Nico Iamalavea, one that could ultimately succeed him after a presumed successful run. With the right people around him, Merklinger could certainly assume an SEC starting role down the road and make many people happy.
Tennessee's 2024 Recruiting Class
- Jake Merklinger, QB
- JJ Harrell, WR
- Jonathan Echols, TE
- Carson Gentle, DL
- Kaleb Beasley, CB
- Marcus Goree, S
You Might Also Like:
- Mike Williams Narrows Recruitment, Includes Tennessee
- Nico Iamaleava Putting Weight On Early During Camp
- Marquez Callaway Signs With Denver
Join the community:
Follow Evan Crowell on Twitter: @EvanVCrowell
You can follow us for future coverage by clicking "Follow" on the top right-hand corner of the page. Also, be sure to like us on Facebook @VolunteerCountry & follow us on Twitter at @VCountryFN.