Commitment analysis: Walker Merrill to Tennessee
Tuesday saw three-star wide receiver Walker Merrill choose Tennessee over Ole Miss, Vanderbilt and others, giving the Vols an in-state recruiting victory and the ninth member of their 2021 class. Merrill announced his decision exclusive on Rivals.
Below, Rivals.com takes a look at what Jeremy Pruitt is getting in his newest receiver and examines what the news means for Tennessee on a macro level.
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SOUTHEAST SPOTLIGHT: Six prospects that have impressed on film
MORE TENNESSEE: Class of 2021 commitment list
CLASS OF 2020 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
CLASS OF 2021 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Position | Team | State
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WHAT IT MEANS FOR TENNESSEE
Holding off Ole Miss to land Merrill is a significant victory, seeing as Lane Kiffin was hired to expand the Rebels’ profile on the recruiting trail and win these types of battles in Tennessee and beyond.
The Vols spent last season creating an aura of optimism and it seems to be paying off little by little. Prospects with options don’t choose coaching staffs in which they have little faith, after all. This is just one of many faceoffs that will pit Pruitt against Kiffin, and Tennessee will need to win a lot more than it loses if it hopes to take the next step on the field. Merrill may not be a program-changing talent, but what his commitment means on the larger scale is encouraging.
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WHAT THE VOLS ARE GETTING
Merrill does a number of things reasonably well. His solid length helps make up for the fact that he’s never posted elite speed times. That said, Merrill is a solid athlete and shows it on film. Merrill has the power to run through a defender or two and is developing as a wide receiver. He could be SEC-ready after a redshirt season if his hands and routes continue to improve.
Merrill’s natural size and ability give him an encouraging upside, and he could meet his lofty ceiling in a year or two when his skill catches up with his athleticism. He’s not likely a day-one starter, but Merrill could easily turn into an impact player in the SEC late in his college career.