It’s been one busy offseason for the guy they call “Big Oak.”
Cumberland Valley junior Tyler Merrill spent the last few days of July hanging with head coach Marcus Freeman at Notre Dame’s annual Grill and Chill recruiting event.
Hours later, the massive 6-foot-5, 310-pounder was in Ann Arbor, reconnecting with Sherrone Moore and line coach Grant Newsome at Michigan’s Barbeque at the Big House.
Such is the life of one of the most sought-after linemen in the Class of 2026.
“It’s definitely surreal. Being recruited so early has numbed me to the fact of all the opportunities that I’ve gotten so far,” said Merrill, ranked as Pennsylvania’s No. 4 prospect overall in his class by 247sports.com.
“I still haven’t woken up from my dream, but it’s awesome, a great feeling to have every day. I go workout with my guys and still have those opportunities to be able to play college football and, hopefully, make it to the next level after that.”
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Notre Dame’s offer came in the spring, just one of 10 that Merrill added to his ever-growing portfolio since March 14.
Offers from Texas A&M (March 22), Alabama (April 4), Michigan State (May 7), Clemson (June 5) and more have bumped Merrill’s eligible list to 25. Penn State offered last spring.
But while the attention keeps accelerating, Merrill’s focus on protecting and building the CV brand has always topped his to-do list.
He’s come a long way from those bold, early steps on campus.
“We’ve got a lot of young bucks on the O-line this year,” Merrill said.
“I think we only have one senior, but I think we’re looking great. We’re working hard every day, keeping our guys accountable and making sure they are doing the right things. Being the best leader I can be, and being someone that people can look up to, is really important.”
Merrill has embraced his role as team leader, hoping to guide CV’s next wave beyond last year’s 7-5 campaign that ended with a taught 37-27 loss to Manheim Township in the District 3 6A semifinals.
“I’ve been a leader my whole entire life in playing up all the time. But it was a little more surprising. I was like, ‘man, I’m a junior this year and these guys are freshmen,’” Merrill said with a smile.
“It’s just like taking care of a little brother or sister. I have two little sisters at home. It’s making sure you them your knowledge and make them have the best time. That’s super important.”
A lead by example force, Merrill also has used the busy offseason to advance his numbers in the weight room.
“We started winter workouts around January. From last year, my bench was around 325. Coming out of the spring, the last time I maxed out was at 375, so that was kind of a five or six-month progression. That’s pretty decent,” said Merrill.
“My goal for this upcoming year is around 400. Hopefully, we can reach there. It’s just continuing to grind. Those milestones are awesome, but I think just getting better is really important at the end of the day.”
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