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Maryland football starts its season in 46 days. Until then, we’re profiling every player on the roster.
Richard Merritt, offensive lineman
Height: 6’5
Weight: 305 pounds
Year: Freshman
High School: Archbishop Carroll High School
Jersey No.: 57
How Merritt got to College Park
Merritt is a four-star recruit and the no. 14 offensive guard in the class of 2016, according to the 247 Sports Composite. He attended Friendship Collegiate Academy for his first two years of high school but then transferred to Archbishop Carroll, where he was named an Under Armour All-American his senior year.
It originally looked like Merritt was set to commit to Alabama, as he formed a strong relationship with director of player personnel Aazar Abdul-Rahim, who was Merritt’s head coach at Friendship. According to the Baltimore Sun’s Daniel Gallen, Merritt really became interested in Maryland after Durkin hired Abdul-Rahim to be the defensive backs coach. He committed to Maryland on Dec. 18, 2015, and was Durkin’s first commitment as head coach.
A highlight so far
Merritt is a true freshman, so here are some highlights from high school.
2016 prospectus
Although Merritt is a highly touted recruit, it’s doubtful that he sees the field in 2016. Maryland has a logjam on the offensive line right now, and that’s without Merritt and fellow 4 star recruit Terrance Davis. Lineman also usually redshirt once they arrive on campus, as it gives them a year to get stronger and prepare for playing at the Division I level.
Merritt could see playing time if he makes a strong showing in training camp, or if the Terps are decimated by injuries.
What a dream season would look like
Merritt has a great training camp and impresses all season in practice, setting himself up to make an impact going forward.
Up next in the series
This tight end played in four games in 2014 but sat out all of last season due to injury.
Standings
Reborn579-8
PeachesTerp-7
Testudbro-5
Scaletta-4
jayman88-3
Murderlandboy-3
ImFromMarylandAndNobodyCanBeatMe-3
jgoldy17-3
terpcommenter-2
amaymon27-2
ezra2141-1
Mr. Papageorgeo-1
RedTurtle-1
Carolina-1
PMatt-1
EricPat-1
Cyfi98-1