South Carolina, Will Muschamp make offer to under-the-radar linebacker

By Phil Kornblut

May 7, 2019 2:57 PM

South Carolina football coach Will Muschamp last week offered off-the-radar linebacker Allen Merrick (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) of Gadsden, Alabama. Merrick has been undervalued as a linebacker simply because he’s not played the position for long. He had been primarily a receiver, tight end and running back. But he said he likes hitting people more than touching the football, and Muschamp saw favorable linebacker traits in him. Enough of them to offer.

“It’s a dream come true to have an SEC offer,” Merrick said. “I just got on the radar. I had no idea they were looking at me at first. My coach just let me know that the head coach wanted to talk to me. I got on the phone with him and he offered me a scholarship. That was the most exciting news I’ve had in awhile. He likes that I fly around and just hit people. He said I’m a good fit, I’m a good person and have good character.”

Merrick has not yet visited USC but will do so this summer. However, he has seen the Gamecocks from afar and likes what he’s seen of their defensive style.

“They are aggressive,” he said. “I know Jadeveon Clowney played there a while ago, and I was a big fan of him.”

Merrick said the Gamecocks sit in his top five along with UAB, Tulane, Memphis and UCF. He has visited UAB, Tulane, Memphis and Samford. He plans to announce a commitment in December and sign early.

Notes:

▪ South Carolina cornerback target Jamorri Colson of Ocilla, Georgia was offered by Tennessee and Auburn.

▪ Former Gamecocks offensive lineman commitment Javion Cohen of Phenix City, Alabama was offered by Oklahoma and Virginia Tech.

▪ USC offered 2021 running back/defensive back Yulkeith Brown of Miami.

Notes:

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