Josh Heupel evaluates new quarterback signee Jake Merklinger

The Tennessee football program will undergo a significant change this offseason following the departure of veteran Joe Milton, with backup Nico Iamaleava the heir apparent. But new signee Jake Merklinger better be ready in a hurry.

In the SEC you’re always just one play away from having to step in.

“He’s going to have to grow really quickly,” coach Josh Heupel said. “He will get spoon-fed as we start here in January and grow into spring football.”

Merklinger credited Heupel as part of his decision to join Tennessee. His hands-on work with quarterbacks was a key selling point.

“Just everything from the quarterback development to the people that are going to be developing me,” Jake Merklinger told Volquest about his decision. “The Tennessee Football program and the tradition that comes with it. Playing in the best conference in the nation and their ability to win at a high level.”

Merklinger sent in his national letter of intent early Wednesday morning, cementing his place in the class for the Volunteers. Tennessee believes it’s getting a quality playmaker at the game’s most important position.

There will be some tweaking done to his mechanics now that he’s on campus, but the intangibles are everything Heupel was looking for.

“Smart, competitive. He’s got good fundamentals,” Heupel said. “We’ve got to refine some of those things. He’s already been working on those since he stepped foot on campus. But his football IQ, his ability to retain information, process out on the football field. He’s a winner.”

Jake Merklinger was a four-star prospect and one of the most coveted recruits in the nation. He ranked as the No. 149 overall player in the 2024 recruiting class, according to the On3 Industry Rankings.

He also checked in as the No. 10 quarterback in the class and the No. 20 overall player from the state of Georgia, hailing from Savannah (GA) Calvary Day School.

Jake Merklinger Scouting Profile

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.