College teams catching onto 2024 Cardinal Gibbons QB Michael Merdinger
If a college coach preaches loyalty and gets frustrated with the transfer portal, those same coaches have to love 2024 quarterback Michael Merdinger. Merdinger (6-2, 200) was the backup in 2022 during Cardinal Gibbons’ 11-2 season. Playing behind three-star 2023 UCF signee Dylan Rizk, the rising junior still got quality minutes throwing for 721 yards with nine passing touchdowns appearing in 11 games. Set to take over the reigns for the Chiefs this fall, next level scouts are seeing the skills with 11 scholarship opportunities extended to Merdinger thus far. A standout performance at the Elite 11 is helping the three-star recruit.
Over the weekend, Merdinger competed at the Elite 11 in Orlando.
“It went great,” Merdinger said. “I won the accuracy competition (24 points); it was a great day to compete. It was great to compete against the best guys in the region. I had the chance to showcase my skills and pick up some new drills. They had good coaches there.”
Given the opportunity to display the skills, Merdinger was asked what he was able to showcase on the big stage.
“My consistency, smoothness, footwork, and accuracy,” Merdinger stated. “I was able to showcase the main aspects of being a quarterback. I really felt like I was able to showcase my arm talent and footwork. My coach preaches accuracy every time we throw.”
The Elite 11 performance is sure to boost recruiting recognition across the country. Merdinger ran down the list of teams showing interest.
“Michigan State, Illinois picked up recently, Stanford, Northwestern, and Virgina,” Merdinger shared. “UNC coach (Chip) Lindsey (OC/QB) reached out Monday night; that is a possible upcoming visit.”
Merdinger continued talking about the conversation with the Tar Heels’ offensive coordinator.
“He said he watched my Pro Day film and that he heard about the Elite 11 news,” Merdinger said. “He was previously at UCF and was recruiting Dylan Rizk; he’s had a chance to see me throw in person. He said I have been on his radar for a while. With spring coming up, he’s planning on coming for a visit.”
March visits were taken to Florida Atlantic, Appalachian State, and Liberty. This spring, in addition to North Carolina, a lot of teams will now make their way to Fort Lauderdale to scout Merdinger.
“Virginia, Illinois, Stanford, I think Duke will, and Michigan State,” Merdinger stated. “I’m not sure who else. Whoever comes, comes. I am grateful for them. It helps when you have a four-star tight end (Colton Heinrich) everyone in the country wants.”