Interview: 2018 California 4-Star LB Merlin Robertson is Ready to Terrorize Opposition Again

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is nothing worse for a quarterback or running back than seeing a bad ass outside linebacker staring back at you play after play. Both offensive players can only hope that their line can put a helmet on that guy long enough to get the ball out of said linebacker’s domain to minimize his effectiveness. Trouble is for offensive players, Merlin Robertson’s domain appears to be the entire field.

Robertson is about to enter his junior season but is already a two-year varsity veteran for Junipero Serra High School. The now 6’2.5”, 230 pound, tackling machine was called up during his freshman year playing in 10 total games cracking the starting lineup by Game 3 in 2014. Still feeling his way around California offenses, Robertson’s natural athleticism and instincts helped him to 68 tackles, 30 solo, 11 tackles for a loss, four sacks, five passes defended, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries in 2014.

Cavaliers’ fans were not let down by Robertson’s sophomore campaign seeing him fight past opposing offenses game planning against him, or running the other way, for a team-high 95 tackles, 34 solo, with 12 tackles for a loss, three sacks, two passes defended, and three forced fumbles. Junipero Serra muscled their way to a 9-3 mark last season before losing a 28-27 heartbreaker to powerhouse Mater Dei (Anaheim).

If Robertson’s accomplishments on defense were not enough to impress, he also played some tight end coming up with nine receptions for 129 yards with two touchdowns.

Now the fight is on amongst college teams for the four-star talent. To date 12 teams have offered including USC, Tennessee, Utah, Oklahoma, Oregon, Cal, Illinois, BYU, Washington State, Oregon State, and Miami. All the schools can see his productivity, size, speed, and strength translating into an impact player at the next level.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I caught up with Robertson ahead of Junipero Serra’s start to two-a-days to get an overview on his off-season workouts and a recruiting news update.

Interview

Merlin, you cracked the varsity squad as a freshman. Going into the 2014 season did you know that you were going to make the varsity squad and become a starter?

“I had no idea that I was going to start. I was playing safety and receiver on JV. The starting outside linebacker got injured. The coaches looked to me, I took it. I worked my way up to starting.”

By which game into your freshman year did you start?

“By Game 3.”

What are some of the things you have gotten better at over the past two years as a linebacker?

“I’ve gotten a lot better at my coverages. I’ve gotten pretty good at man coverage and covering the slot. I’ve gotten a lot better at reading the plays.”

You mentioned the things you’ve gotten better at, what are some of the things that you do that make you such a productive linebacker?

“I play aggressive. My run stop is pretty good. Covering – I have more work to do with my coverages but I’m pretty good there. My pass rush, I’ve gotten better at pass rushing too.”

What are your personal goals for the 2016 season?

“I want over 100 tackles this year. I want to make more plays on the field this year.”

Will your role on the team expand more this year, especially on offense?

“It will. I will play more tight end this year.”

Do you think you will become a bigger component in the passing attack?

“I think I will.”

Between tight end and linebacker, which position do you like best?

“I like linebacker better. I like to hit.”

Spoken like a true linebacker. Looking back on last year, which game was your best and why do you consider that game your best?

“I’d say Mater Dei. On defense I stepped up. We were tired but I was in a zone. I had a lot of tackles against Mater Dei going up against Frank Martin (USC Class of 2016 OT commit). It was one of my best games even though we lost.”

Have you gone to any camps this off-season?

“I went to a Michigan camp. I didn’t go to other camps so I could focus on working out with my team and on my own.”

How many offers do you have right now?

“I have 12 offers. I picked up an offer from Tennessee on Friday.”

Congrats.

“Thank you.”

Of the teams that have offered, which programs are pushing a little bit harder than the others in recruiting?

“BYU is one. They are not pushing too hard since I am not a junior yet. I’ve been told that their coaches are waiting until I am officially a junior to really start reaching out.”

Which schools are showing recruiting interest but have not offered you yet?

“UCLA.”

You visited UCLA didn’t you?

“Yes. I’ve visited UCLA, USC, and Cal.”

How did your UCLA visit go?

“It was pretty good. I met up with Coach Scott (White – linebackers and special teams coach). He broke everything down for me on what they do at linebacker. It was a good visit.”

How did your trip to USC go?

“They showed me a lot of love. Everyone came up to me to say hi. They showed me around the school and explained their sports and education processes to me.”

What about your Cal visit?

“It was pretty tight. They have a nice campus, they really do. The stadium is sweet. You can see the Bay Area. They told me about the history of Cal, about the sports and academics program, and their big engineering program. I liked it. They told me they are switching to Under Armour.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned coming up?

“I do not. I am focused on getting ready for the season.”

What was your GPA for your sophomore year?

“I had a 3.1 GPA.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“It was math, but that is getting harder. I’ve switched my favorite subject to English.”

Have you started thinking about what you would like to major in once in college?

“Mechanical Engineering.”

That explains Cal.

(Laughs)

How does Junipero Serra look going into the 2016 season?

“We look pretty solid. We are young. Our corners are good and our secondary is solid. On offense, our receivers are good. (Wide receiver) Kobe Smith (2018) he will be really big. Our quarterback, Jalani Eason, is good. We should be pretty solid this year.”

Are there any games on the schedule you are getting excited to play already?

“Our first three games are tough. Our first game (Aug. 19) against Saguaro (Scottsdale, AZ), that’s our first ranked team of the year. They are No. 24 in the nation. That is a big game I am excited for. They have a 2,000 yard rusher (Stone Matthews). I’m ready to go up against him. Narbonne (Harbor City, CA) we are ready for them (Aug. 26). I have a lot of family that plays over there. There is a lot of talking going on between us there. Our first league against Chaminade (West Hills, CA – Sept. 23), I’m excited for that game. They have a new quarterback (Brevin White – 2018) and TJ Plunger at running back (4-star 2018). I can’t wait to go up against him.”

Merlin, thanks for your time today and good luck with the upcoming season.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: rivals.com; No. 2 Merlin Robertson is ready to take the field (2015).

Photo credit: scout.com; No. 2 Merlin Robertson on the sidelines post-game (2015).

Photo credit: twitter.com; No. 2 Merlin Robertson pre-snap (2015).