When you ask anyone in the Cumberland Valley High School corridors about Big Oak, they usually respond with the terms “character” and “unwavering work ethic.”
These are just two of the reasons Tyler Merrill’s large entourage came inside CV’s Dome gymnasium on Thursday to see where the four-star lineman would choose to go next.
The solution was Notre Dame.
Merrill, a junior, thanked his coaches and family before declaring his choice to join the Fighting Irish in a brief and direct commitment ceremony.
I simply thought the people there were great. Merrill remarked, “I kind of like that.”
I believed that everyone there had the ability to improve me as a person, learner, and athlete. It has to do with the people around you.
Only a few months after Merrill’s first season on campus, the first FBS program to give him a spot was Mid-American Conference representative Akron.
The massive 6-6, 320-pound lineman, who last week reduced his 27-school scholarship list to Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Clemson, Alabama, and in-state power Penn State, was then inundated with recruiting interest.
Merrill claimed that his decision was greatly influenced by the bonds he had developed with Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman and his coaching staff.
He is unquestionably someone you want in your life. Merrill remarked, “Coach Freeman is the kind of guy you trust with difficult decisions and he does all the right things.”
I believed what he said about me, and I had to make a difficult choice. He never stops working hard. I adore his mindset and his tenacity. In the end, these are the folks I want to spend my time with.
The fact that Notre Dame dominated the national championship game only a few weeks prior helped.
Tyler Merrill of Cumberland Valley smashes through the banner prior to the Aug. 23, 2024, game against Manheim Township.
[email protected] Joe [email protected] Joe Hermitt
Merrill added that after Notre Dame’s 34-23 loss to Ohio State in the CFP National Championship, Freeman, who regularly texted his prized recruit once a week, also sent a message.
Playing for a national championship and all that was awesome. However, Merrill stated that their accomplishment was not surprising.
Watching the team you know you will play for is always cool.
According to 247sports.com, Merrill, a four-star recruit, is presently ranked as Pennsylvania’s sixth-best recruit.
Merrill, a member of the Class of 2026, is ranked No. 13 nationally at his position as an interior offensive lineman. Merrill is ranked No. 57 overall on EPSN’s ranking of the Top 300 juniors.
He stated that he hopes to begin his college career as a guard or center.
It truly depends on the circumstances. Interior, I’m going to guess. Last season, I was a guard and a tackle, but it’s about being ready for anything,” Merrill said.
Eric Epler can be followed on Twitter and X at @threejacker.
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