MERRITT GIVES OSU PREMIER PASS RUSHER IN 2025 CLASS
Per 247Sports' composite rankings, Merritt is considered the 101st-best prospect and the 10th-ranked defensive lineman in the 2025 cycle.
In his junior season at Woodward Academy (Atlanta, Georgia), Merritt recorded 31 tackles, four for loss, five sacks and 11 quarterback hits. Merritt will play his senior year at Florida powerhouse IMG Academy (Bradenton, Florida).
Johnson has told Merritt he envisions him as a defensive end primarily at the next level with the capability to play in multiple defensive alignments.
“He told me my speed sticks out and my ability to flip my hips around the edge or whatever you will,” Merritt said. “He also talks about me being able to adjust to the speed of the game in college quickly. Because he saw my film and noticed I was playing defensive tackle here and there, even though I won’t play defensive tackle in college, but he could see that I have that power from that position. He also said I may be able to drop back in coverage a little bit. He sees me as a versatile player that can pretty much do it all.”
At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Merritt already has college-ready size, but he'll likely add additional weight once he reaches campus. His frame suggests he'll play defensive end, but there's always the possibility he could move inside if he bulks up and Johnson and OSU think that move is the right fit.
Merritt was used both as a linebacker and as a traditional edge rusher at Woodward Academy. He is adept at both chasing down signal callers and stopping the run. He often beats opposing offensive tackles with sheer power, though he also has finesse moves in his repertoire. His motor is off the charts, as his film shows he never stops his pursuit to the ball even when he's initially slowed.