Blue-chip OL Tyler Merrill to announce commitment this week, talks finalists, one school trending & more

Mechanicsburg (Pa.) Cumberland Valley On300 offensive tackle Tyler Merrill will announce his commitment on Thursday at 2:20 pm ET during a live broadcast on the On3 Recruits YouTube Channel.

The finalists for the four-star Merrill include Alabama, Clemson, Notre Dame, Penn State and Wisconsin.

The 6-foot-6, 325-pound Merrill is tabbed by the industry-generated On3 Industry as the nation’s No. 82 prospect overall. He checks in as the No. 73 prospect per On3.

Merrill talked about each of his finalists.

Regarding Alabama: “A multi-National Championship program. A lot of greats have come out of there and still continue to come out of there.”

Regarding Clemson: “Great relationships, great people, recent National Champions within the last 10 years. Still a contender and they made the College Football Playoff and still a powerhouse I’d say.”

Regarding Notre Dame: “O-line U. Definitely a place a lot of great o-linemen come out. High education and most importantly great people.”

Regarding Penn State: “Penn State close to home. College football, Big Ten runner-ups, just a great program as well. Great offense, great o-linemen come from there as well.

Regarding Wisconsin: “Arguably O-Line U as well. A lot of greats come out of there in the O-Line community. Coach Blazek is an awesome guy.”

Notre Dame is trending on the On3 RPM for Merrill following a weekend visit to South Bend. Marcus Freeman and the Irish currently have On3’s No. 10 ranked recruiting class.