Hogs Sign Four Star Jalen Merrick

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas head coach Bret Bielema announced Tuesday that consensus four-star offensive line prospect Jalen Merrick (@Jalen_Merrick) has signed a financial aid agreement. The standout from New Smyrna Beach, Florida will enroll in classes at Arkansas this month.

Rivals.com ranked Merrick as the No. 13 offensive guard, No. 191 national recruit and No. 31 recruit in the state of Florida. He was ranked as the No. 15 offensive guard and No. 34 recruit in Florida, according to 247Sports.com. ESPN listed him as a top-300 recruit in the class of 2015.

A basketball player growing up, Merrick began playing football in 2013.

Merrick selected the Razorbacks over offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami (FL), Ohio State, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Wisconsin.

“We are thrilled to welcome another Florida Hog into the Razorback family,” said Bielema. “We cannot wait to see how Jalen’s athleticism will improve our offensive line when he joins us this spring. Jalen comes from a great family and will be an excellent addition to our team on and off the field. We are excited to bring his contagious personality and outstanding ‘fro to Fayetteville!”

According to Rivals.com, Arkansas’ 2015 signing class ranks No. 22 in the nation.

Merrick is the fourth player from the state of Florida to sign as part of Arkansas’ 2015 recruiting class, joining offensive lineman Josh Allen (@joshallen55), defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter (@leddy_55) and defensive lineman Hjalte Froholdt (@Y3llur).

Other early enrollees that have signed with the Razorbacks and will enroll this month include quarterback Ty Storey (@tystorey4), offensive lineman Zach Rogers (@ZC_Rogers), defensive end Daytrieon Dean (@_dwoop), and tight end Will Gragg (@W_Gragg7).

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