Recruiting: DL Sean Merrill

Every unit on a football team is vital to success but perhaps none more so than the defensive line. The weekly wars of the Southeastern Conference make a strong defensive line a near necessity. It is probably fair to say that the lack of a strong rush defense during the 2001 season was due in large part to a lack of size and dominant defensive linemen. Help is on the way with a quartet of redshirt freshmen but depth is created through multiple classes and Sean Merrill maybe in the next class.

“I like Ole Miss, LSU, Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama,” said Merrill. “I’m in no rush to make a decision until I’ve checked them all out.”

Merrill (6-3/287/4.90) made 85 tackles and 14 sacks for D’Iberville High School last season. He could get a look at defensive end but will probably grow into a defensive tackle as his career progresses. Merrill just enjoys the feeling when he’s on the gridiron regardless of the position.

“I just like the feeling I get when I make a big play or we win a big game,” said Merrill.

Qualifying should not be a problem for Merrill with a 3.1 GPA and a first score of 16 on the ACT. D’Iberville opens their season at Harrison Central.

Merrill only attended one football camp this summer---the Ole Miss Rebels.