Jake Merklinger

Jake Merklinger was already known as one of the top high school quarterbacks in Georgia heading into his junior year of high school. But Merklinger elevated his game in 2022 to become one of the country’s elite quarterback prospects. Merklinger was named the 2022 Offensive Player of the Year by the Savannah Quarterback Club. He threw for 1,987 yards with 32 touchdowns and just two interceptions and ran for 283 yards and four more scores to earn Region 3-3A Player of the Year honors. “He shows more and more maturity each week, stepping up in the pocket and holding himself in the pocket and rescanning the field,” Calvary Day School coach Mark Stroud said. “Once that first thing breaks down, he does really do a really good job of figuring out what’s next. He's improved every year and proven himself – and I think he's going to get better and better. He has all the physical skills, he's a tremendous competitor and leader – he’s got all the intangibles the best programs are looking for.” Merklinger’s older brother, Ryan, played football at Valparaiso.