A new name is gaining steam as one of Florida’s top quarterback targets in the class of 2024.
Jake Merklinger, who plays for Calvary Day School in Savannah, Georgia, is the latest prep quarterback to be linked with the Gators. On3’s Chad Simmons says the Gators are doing a “great job” recruiting Merklinger, with Billy Napier and offensive analyst Ryan O’Hara as his main points of contact.
Merklinger was in town for Florida’s home opener against Utah and said he enjoyed the atmosphere. He’s also been to Auburn, Michigan State and Virginia Tech this year, and he has plans to stop by Clemson and Tennessee.
“There’s a vibe around the campus, an energy that’s really, really good,” Merklinger said of UF when speaking with Simmons. “The coaches are super nice to me. It is in the SEC. I’m from the South, so that’s really cool and it’s only about two hours away from my house. It’s a really easy trip.”
Merklinger plans to take officials in the spring of next year, but he won’t rush to a decision once those are in the books. The Spartans are considered the unofficial leaders in his recruitment and have a 36.0% chance to land him, according to the On3 recruiting prediction machine. Florida is in second place with 23.8% odds.
The On3 consensus has Merklinger ranked No. 79 overall and No. 9 among quarterbacks, but the site’s individual ranking are far more bullish on him at No. 15 overall and No. 2 at his position. The other three main services — 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals — have him ranked well above No. 100 in the class, though.
[mm-video type=video id=01gdg3yhc6d6jb3c59xg playlist_id=01eqbz250mdknqvm5z player_id=01eqbvp13nn1gy6hd4 image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01gdg3yhc6d6jb3c59xg/01gdg3yhc6d6jb3c59xg-c640babe687004c896ec7a3af514c1b9.jpg]
[lawrence-related id=92917,92904,92893,92880,92879]
[listicle id=92916]
[listicle id=92822]
[listicle id=92809]
Follow us @GatorsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida Gators news, notes and opinions.
Let us know your thoughts and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today!