Tennessee Vols commit compared to 4-time NFL Pro Bowler
A 2024 Tennessee Vols commit was compared this week to a four-time NFL Pro Bowler. Rivals.com national recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr compared several of the top 2024 recruits in the nation to NFL players this week. Garcia compared four-star Vols commit Jake Merklinger, the No. 7 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, to New […]
A 2024 Tennessee Vols commit was compared this week to a four-time NFL Pro Bowler.
Rivals.com national recruiting analyst John Garcia Jr compared several of the top 2024 recruits in the nation to NFL players this week.
Garcia compared four-star Vols commit Jake Merklinger, the No. 7 quarterback in the 2024 recruiting class, to New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr.
From Rivals.com: The tape the Tennessee commitment has put together of his 2022 season has plenty of strong-armed throws and well-timed tosses within it, but what stands out just as much is this combination of toughness and athleticism that shows up in spurts. The tight release and second-level velocity is a classic delivery, much like that of Derek Carr and the likeness between the two carries over onto that tough element as well. Carr isn't known as a runner, but he can scramble as needed and when linear, can out-run front-seven types with his sub 4.7-second 40-yard dash speed. We can see Merklinger doing similar in the SEC one day, keeping defenses honest with his legs while showcasing good velocity and decision-making with his right arm. From a physical perspective, the two make even more sense with one another, each listed at 6-foot-3, with Carr currently at 210 pounds and Merklinger pushing 190-plus heading into his senior season.
Carr isn't an NFL superstar, but he's a quality NFL quarterback who has reached four Pro Bowls and he had his jersey retired at Fresno State.
And it's been a long time since Tennessee's had a quarterback achieve those kind of accolades (though having a jersey retired at Fresno State isn't quite the same as having a jersey retired at UT…but the point remains). The Vols are hoping that Hendon Hooker changes that trend in the NFL, followed by Joe Milton and Nico Iamaleava. Perhaps Merklinger, who is one of the more underrated players in the 2024 recruiting class, will continue a new trend for the Vols when he eventually reaches the NFL.
Comment from Joe Milton should scare every defensive back on Tennessee’s schedule in 2023
Tennessee Vols quarterback Joe Milton made a comment on Thursday at SEC Media Days that should scare every defensive back on UT’s schedule in 2023
Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
