'Mic'd up' video of Tennessee commit shows that Vols have another elite QB on the way
The Tennessee Vols are in fantastic shape when it comes to the quarterback position. Tennessee will lean on Joe Milton this fall before handing the offense over to former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava in 2024. Backing up Iamaleava in 2024 will be four-star recruit Jake Merklinger, the No. 8 overall quarterback in the 2024 recruiting […]
The Tennessee Vols are in fantastic shape when it comes to the quarterback position.
Tennessee will lean on Joe Milton this fall before handing the offense over to former five-star recruit Nico Iamaleava in 2024.
Backing up Iamaleava in 2024 will be four-star recruit Jake Merklinger, the No. 8 overall quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class.
Merklinger, 6-foot-3/195 lbs from Savannah, GA, committed to Tennessee in late March.
The Georgia native is known as an elite competitor — which is apparent considering he chose to commit to the Vols despite the presence of Iamaleava.
WTOC, a local news station in Savannah, recently put out a great Mic'd up video of Merklinger that shows him interacting with his teammates. The feature also includes an interview with Merklinger and his high school coach.
The two things that quickly jump out about the video are Merklinger's great leadership abilities (he seems comfortable pushing his teammates) and a quote that his coach drops in the middle of the video.
"When you have a great player and he steps on the field, everybody thinks they have a shot and I think it takes everyone's game to a different level."
Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel wants to bring players to Rocky Top that have elite physical abilities. And he has certainly brought those types of players to Tennessee with Milton, Iamaleava, and now Merklinger (who won't arrive at UT until after the 2023 regular season). But it's not just the physical skills that Heupel and his staff are looking for. They want physical talented players who can also inspire confidence among their teammates
It seems clear that Merklinger has those non-tangible leadership skills that Heupel covets. And that's why Tennessee was quick to get Merklinger in the commit column even though they already had Nico on the roster.
Former Oklahoma player tells unbelievable story about Josh Heupel’s toughness and leadership as a player
A former Oklahoma player told an unbelievable story about Josh Heupel’s toughness and leadership as a player
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
