On3 Top 20 2024 Countdown: No. 15, QB Jake Merklinger

As the 2024 class is just finishing their first or second season of varsity football, their skill sets — and ultimately evaluations — will change drastically in the next two years. The physical transformations that happen in between sophomore and junior season are the biggest at any point in the recruiting process. That makes it challenging to nail down the truly elite prospects that deserve five-star status.

As such, On3 has given out just three of those honors in its second full ranking of the 2024 class. There are, however, a number of players vying to break into that group over the next 12-18 months. Within our most recent rankings release, we’re counting down the top 20 sophomore prospects in the country. Checking in as the No. 15 prospect in the Class of 2024 is Savannah (Ga.) Calvary Day School quarterback Jake Merklinger.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pounder already holds offers from schools across the country. This past week, Merklinger picked up offers from Arkansas, Auburn, Austin Peay, Boston College, Georgia Southern, Minnesota, Ole Miss, Rutgers and Vanderbilt.

With the 2023 cycle about to hit a fever pitch, much of the attention around the recruiting world is on the rising senior class. But the recruitments of the country’s best 2024 prospects are taking off as well. Schools across the country are already in the thick of things with the sophomore class. And top-end prospects already racking up double-digit offer lists and a few already committing. Those players won’t be able to sign for another year and a half. But getting in early on their recruitment is becoming a bigger priority than ever.

Jake Merklinger Scouting Summary

“Accurate, mobile passer with a strong feel for the game early on in his high school career. Among the more accurate top quarterbacks in the 2024 cycle, completing over 70 percent of his passes as a sophomore. Comfortable navigating the pocket. Sees the field well, finding open receivers while under pressure. Shows the ability to quickly react and escape from pass rushers. Functional mobility both in and out of the pocket is among the best among top 2024 quarterbacks at this juncture. Can pick up chunks of yards with his legs on designed runs and scrambles. Has shown a good arm to this point, but can continue improving his velocity as he gets stronger, in addition to tightening his release. A multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball and lacrosse.” — Charles Power, On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings