HONOLULU – Because it takes place later in the month, the Polynesian Bowl features some players who have already been through a few college practices. Like so many other recruits, Rivals100 quarterback Jake Merklinger is a midyear enrollee and made it to campus in Knoxville to participate in a handful of bowl practices with Tennessee -- both on campus and in Orlando ahead of the Citrus Bowl.

The four-star prospect from Georgia knows that the decision to enroll early will pay off in the long run, but he has already felt some of the growing pains he will go through as he transitions to the college game.

“It was a bunch of fun being able to just be around the guys, get coached by the coaches and guys that recruited you,” he said. “That was really good, and Orlando was a really fun place. ... The main thing is a receiver that’s open in high school is not open in college. Being able to see the defensive ends pass rush and how elite they are and the speed of the defensive backs is super cool.”

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MORE POLYNESIAN BOWL: Dylan Raiola ready to become a Husker | Terry Bussey updates recruitment | Tei Nacua ready to make his own name | Recruits react to Jedd Fisch hire at Washington

CLASS OF 2024 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2025 RANKINGS: Rivals250 | Team | Position | State

CLASS OF 2026 RANKINGS: Rivals100

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