Jalen Merrick to Arkansas: Razorbacks Land 4-Star OG Prospect
This season, Bret Bielema helped Arkansas to its first winning season since 2011. Now, the wins on the recruiting trail are starting to roll in.
Jalen Merrick, a 4-star offensive guard who was also considering Florida and Florida State, announced his commitment to the Razorbacks Sunday afternoon:
"Arkansas is a very great place," Merrick told 247Sports' Otis Kirk. "Coach Pittman has been recruiting me an awfully long time. Coach B is a really nice guy. The fans are loyal here."
Hailing from New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Merrick is ranked as the 227th overall prospect in the 2015 class and the No. 13 offensive guard, per 247Sports' composite rankings.
Boasting a massive frame (6'5", 295 pounds), his strength is unquestionable. He knows how to use that natural power to finish blocks, and there may never be a more perfect example than this, via The Swamp Report:
"If anyone is wondering if @Jalen_Merrick is good lol http://t.co/0kK02tttTh
— The Swamp Report (@TheSwampReport) January 11, 2015"
Perhaps more enticing, however, is his potential. Merrick, who also played basketball, didn't take up football until his junior season. That lack of experience means it may be difficult for him to make an immediate impact in Fayetteville, but more time on campus could help him grow into a dominant interior player.
This addition moves Bielema's 2015 class to No. 22 in America, per 247Sports' composite system. But as he continues to beat out top programs for high-profile recruits, it doesn't take numbers to realize he has this program moving in the right direction following a rough transition from the Bobby Petrino era.
