Merrill plays mostly outside linebacker and does a tremendous job pass rushing and playing out in space as well. He is very explosive off the ball and shows natural bend around the edge with closing speed and is a high motor kid that can track down ball carriers backside with ease. He shows heavy hands when striking and can quickly get off blocks and set the edge out in space. He is a sure tackler that takes good angles in the open field and can redirect in tight windows towards the ball. He offers plus position versatility at the college level and can play both inside and outside linebacker. Look for the rising senior to make it into our linebacker rankings in the next update.

Merrill is a no brainer to enter into our linebacker rankings in the next update, and has some impressive Junior tape from his inside linebacker position. He is a true middle of the box thumper with a throwback and downhill play style and is a sure tackle in the box while exploding through contact and a true run stuffer. He can weave through traffic with a low hat, get off blocks with a strong shock and is a high motor kid that can quickly diagnosis plays and trigger outside the tackles while showing good open field speed and pursuit angles in space, especially for his size. He will fit nicely at the middle linebacker position in college and is a very high quality D3/D2+ prospect.