QB Jake Merklinger signs letter of intent to Tennessee
Long-time 2024 Tennessee quarterback commitment Jake Merklinger made his way to campus over the weekend to get his career as Vol started. Now that the early signing period has officially opened, Merklinger has signed his letter of intent to Tennessee, as the University’s social media accounts acknowledged moments ago.
Home sweet home!
— Tennessee Football (@Vol_Football) December 20, 2023
Got our signal caller 💪@JakeMerklinger | #RockyTop24 🍊 pic.twitter.com/zP9Ljkwz5t
Merklinger chose Tennessee in March over Michigan State, North Carolina and others at the time. There were a variety of reasons behind his decisions
“Just everything from the quarterback development to the people that are going to be developing me,” 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.”
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The opportunity to play for Joey Halzle and Josh Heupel played an important part in Merklinger’s decision to head to Rocky Top.
“I think one thing that makes it unique is they have a really good relationship because coach Heup coached coach Halzle,” Merklinger said. “Coach Heup is the man. He is super energetic and extremely competitive which is where we relate. We went at it in mini golf outside his office which was a lot of fun.”
Merklinger’s On3 Scouting Report
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.
