Tennessee quarterback coach Joey Halzle may have found his quarterback for the 2024 class.
Halze and head coach Josh Heupel have been pursuing quarterback Jake Merklinger, and they’ve made a good impression on the prospect.
“They’re showing me a ton of love,” Merklinger told Rivals247. “Coach Halzle even came to the game-winning play at ELCA. He came to watch me for a little bit, so that meant a lot, and I’m really excited to get back up there to see Neyland… I mean, they’re winning, which is something that attracts me, and the offense is super fast, super high-energy. They throw the ball a lot, so it’s something that’d be fun to play in.”
The four-star prospect was referencing Halzle attending his high school, Calvary Day’s win against Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, in which Merklinger threw a 73-yard strike to ensure the win.
It’s safe to say that Merklinger has been torching Georgia high school defenses all season long.
For the majority of college football teams, the head coach or offensive coordinator usually doubles as the quarterback’s coach. Tennessee is an exception. Halzle specializes as the quarterback coach for the Volunteers, following Heupel from Central Florida to Knoxville.
It’s no wonder that Merklinger is fond of Halzle. In part, Halzle is credited with quarterback Hendon Hooker’s development, which has transformed the signal caller from a backup to one of the top players in the nation. Hooker has thrown for 39 touchdowns and only three interceptions in his time at Tennessee. So far this season, Hooker has a 71.7-percent completion rate and has become an early candidate to win the Heisman Trophy.
Merklinger was extended a scholarship offer from Tennessee in May. He is planning to visit Knoxville when the Volunteers host Alabama on Oct. 15. He also has planned visits to Georgia and Clemson. Merklinger has also been to Michigan State several times.
The 6-foot-2.5 and 195 pound quarterback is expected to make his decision on college in late spring.
