Three Pass Catchers For Jake Merklinger
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Quarterback Jake Merklinger became the newest addition to Tennessee's recruiting class on Thursday. The four-star passer chose the Vols over UNC, Georgia, and Michigan State, ending a long recruitment. Merklinger initially intended to hold out before deciding, but after visiting Rocky Top, he knew he had found his home.
However, it's going to be a long road to the field. When Merklinger arrives on campus, blue-chip quarterback Nico Iamaleava will be closing his true freshman season and likely enters 2023 as the starter. The coaching staff intends to let Merklinger sit and learn how to be a college quarterback before ultimately handing the reigns off whenever Iamaleava concludes his college career.
That means a lot of scout team reps and a lot of unseen hours. Some of the best stories in college football start when the media period closes, and young players compete with college football's best; it breeds character and work ethic, preparing young athletes for that next step. The best connections in our sport often begin in the shadows; Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase lit the world on fire at LSU, but before that, they spent the 2018 spring dominating practices.
Every quarterback needs a few go-to guys, someone they can look to in critical situations. Critical game reps mean that you are battling the clock; critical practice reps mean you are trying to make a play and impress coaches. Three candidates mesh well with Merklinger and would pair well together.
Caleb Odom, TE
Georgia tight end Caleb Odom is one of the hottest names on the recruiting trail. The 6-6 and 225-pound basketball standout excelled in his junior season with Carrollton High School. He caught 64 passes for 1,121 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Trojans, using his athleticism and unique frame to provide an easy outlet for star quarterback Julian Lewis.
Sources confirmed to Volunteer Country that Odom is visiting the Vols on Saturday. He has already visited Georgia, Ole Miss, Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Georgia Tech this spring. Those close to the situation say that wide receivers coach Kelsey Pope and tight ends coach Alec Abeln are the primary points of contact.
Merklinger plays with South Carolina tight end commit Michael Smith. Smith fits a similar mold to Odom; both are tall with long arms and unique athleticism. Odom is even bigger than Smith and has a longer catch radius, making him an ideal red zone target. Merklinger thrives in the red zone and loves tossing jump balls after identifying man blitz pre-snap.
JJ Harrell, 2024 WR
JJ Harrell, WR
Tennessee doesn't have to do much work in this recruitment because Harrell is already committed. He pledged his services to the Vols on February 27, becoming the second pass catcher in the class. The Mississippi native stands 6-2 and 185 pounds, making him an ideal outside threat for Merklinger.
He projects to be an X-receiver at the next level. Harrell has a lot of speed and explosion but needs time in a college environment before getting snaps. His high school competition leaves a lot to be desired, and he has a transition to make before arriving in the SEC.
That means he should be alongside Merklinger these first few seasons. Harrell has no fear and is as competitive as they come. He's going to want the football and give maximum effort getting to the ball. He's the downfield target that Merklinger needed going into college.
Ryan Wingo, WR
If Ryan Wingo wasn't important before, he certainly is now. Wingo is a five-star receiver from St. Louis who has all the tools to become an early contributor. He comes in at 6-2 and 205 pounds, a much larger frame than Harrell. Wingo can win downfield, but his strength in college will be the quick game.
His physicality and strength create an easy outlet for run after the catch. His high school often kept him underneath as an outlet, a free 10-12 yards if the quarterback needed it. Wingo's speed won't blow you away, but he's a nuanced route-runner with command over his lower body. He stays in corners' blindspots, keeping them away from the football while manipulating their leverage.
Wingo will come in and beat SEC defensive backs from day one. It would behoove Merklinger to get him the football, making life easy on himself while keeping the offense rolling forward. Merklinger has much to learn about offensive football; concepts, terminology, and timing. Therefore, sometimes it will be necessary to just throw to the monster over the middle for free yards.
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