High School:  Won back-to-back State Championships during his junior and senior years at Saguaro High School in Scottsdale, Ariz. ... Also earned All-City, All-Region and All-State honors ... Coached by John Sanders  ... Graduated with a 3.5 GPA.

Personal:  Son of Eddie and Margaret Merrill ... Has one older sibling, Chris ... Brother, Chris, plays football at the University of Arizona ... Majoring in business.