Where The Vols Stand With Jake Merklinger, Outlining His Decision
Recruiting generally heats up in the summer months, but we are getting an early glimpse at what the trail will look like. 2024 quarterback Jake Merklinger is one of the top uncommitted prospects in the country, but that all changes on Thursday.
Merklinger is a Savannah, Georgia, native and went 11-1 with 36 total touchdowns in his junior season. He is teammates with South Carolina tight end commit Michael Smith, and the pairing was one of the most fearsome duos in the Peach State. Merklinger's breakout campaign brought the attention of college coaching staffs. He took four unofficial visits to Tennessee, Michigan State, Georgia, and North Carolina this spring.
He told On3 that after the unofficials, he felt he had found the correct landing spot. Each location made a strong impression on the four-star signal caller, but he confirmed that relationships won out when he made the decision. Merklinger will announce his commitment on Thursday at 11:10 AM EST on 247Sports' Youtube channel.
There are draws to each respective program. North Carolina has developed a tradition of sending quarterbacks to the NFL; Mitch Trubisky was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Sam Howell was a fifth-round pick in 2022, and Drake Maye is the early favorite to be the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Michigan State kept its pitch around relationships. Merklinger loves head coach Mel Tucker and the staff, and he has been to East Lansing several times. Georgia is the in-state program that is defending two national titles, but they already have a 2024 quarterback commit, Ryan Puglisi. Additionally, they are continuing to pursue blue-chip quarterback Dylan Raiola.
Jake Merklinger, 2024 QB
Everyone has made a solid effort thus far, but sources indicate that the Vols are the team to beat one day out.He recently visited Knoxville and continues to be enamored with head coach Josh Heupel and offensive coordinator Joey Halzle. Merklinger shines when he can attack downfield, and the Vols have a system in place designed to maximize downfield passers.
Hendon Hooker's success this past season spoke volumes to Merklinger. At 6-3 and 190 pounds, Merklinger may fill out to Hooker's 6-4 and 225 pounds. Hooker's size enabled him to command the Vols from the pocket, making big throws while flashing athleticism when out of structure.
Prediction: Tennessee Volunteers
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