How the Versatility of 4-Star Kirk Merritt Can Help the Oregon Class

It was the versatility of 4-star Louisiana standout Kirk Merritt that made him a wanted man. Merritt, who parlayed that level of versatility into winning the 2014 Nike SPARQ Championship last summer, had 24 offers to choose from entering the week.

Monday evening, the 5'11", 206-pound all-purpose back announced his college plans—and he's headed westward.

Merritt verbally committed to Oregon during a ceremony among friends and family in Destrehan, Louisiana. He chose the Ducks over offers from Texas A&M, Auburn and Alabama and became Oregon's 22nd overall commit and seventh player rated at least a 4-star prospect.

"It all started two years ago, when I got my first offer from Louisiana Tech," Merritt said. "It's the best feeling ever just knowing that a college wants you to play at next level. At the end, you know you've got to pick a school—one school—and make sure it's the best place for you.

"My family and I, we made a decision. I'm just happy to be playing college football and furthering my education."

Merritt announced on Sunday he had trimmed his top four to two, choosing Oregon and Texas A&M as the finalists. He said he liked the fact that both teams loved to throw the ball and utilized the spread offense, which is what he was accustomed to at Destrehan High School. Merritt added that he was a fan of how athletes were used in space in both offenses.

When showcasing his skill set, Merritt sent a message to the masses with his score of 148.83 at the SPARQ national competition. Along with running the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds, he made jaws drop with a 45'8" leap in the vertical jump. He also showed his strength by throwing the power ball 43 feet, setting the bar for all players considered athletes according to ESPN.

Considered an all-purpose back for Destrehan, Merritt finished his senior year with 1,058 rushing and receiving yards combined and 11 total touchdowns, according to Jonathan Menard of the St. Charles Herald-Guide. Merritt was recruited to both Oregon and Texas A&M as a slot receiver.

Oregon and Texas A&M, Merritt said, had their similarities, but he said the biggest advantage involved comfort with the coaching staff and the overall environment. Merritt, who was primarily recruited by receivers coach Matt Lubick, officially visited the campus the weekend of Oct. 31.

"It was the facilities, the coaching staff, everything," Merritt said. "The coaching staff has been there for so long, and I've really built a good relationship with Coach Lubick. Plus, it's the Pac-12, a great conference.

"I enjoyed myself when I was out there. The people there are very nice. It's a loud crowd, too. I was shocked that the people knew who I was when I was there. I didn't even know they knew I'd be there. They're just cool people."

Merritt said he looks to be used similarly as Oregon used athletes like De'Anthony Thomas, LaMichael James and Josh Huff. Merritt can be put in the backfield, in the slot or as an outside receiver. He can take end-around handoffs or create mismatch problems with linebackers and safeties in multiple-receiver formations.

Merritt will join skill position players such as 4-star all-purpose back Taj Griffin and 4-star wide receiver Alex Ofodile, two athletes who are already enrolled, as well as 4-star quarterback Travis Waller and 4-star all-purpose back Malik Lovette.

"It's going to be great," Merritt said. "Knowing that all my hard work has paid off, it's a humbling experience."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' Composite ratings. Follow Damon on Twitter: @DamonSayles