Miami Football Secures First 2025 DB Commitment from Three-Star CB Timothy Merritt
The Miami football team has landed its first defensive back for the 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of three-star cornerback Timothy Merritt. Merritt, who plays for Birmingham Parker, is ranked as the 451st player nationally, the 37th cornerback, and the 18th player in Alabama for 2025.
Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 180 pounds, Merritt brings impressive size to the Miami defense. The Hurricanes managed to secure his commitment over Arkansas and Tennessee. Merritt cited his relationship with Miami’s defensive backs coach, Chevis Jackson, as a key factor in his decision.
Despite committing to Miami, Merritt plans to take official visits to Tennessee and Arkansas in the coming weeks. His recent visit to Coral Gables marked his first official visit to the Miami program. According to On3, Merritt has also taken nine unofficial visits with other programs, including two each to Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and one to Arkansas.
Before committing to Miami, On3 had projected Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and Auburn as the leading contenders. Merritt is the second defensive player to commit to Miami for the 2025 class, joining four-star linebacker Elijah Melendez. Additionally, Merritt was one of two cornerbacks visiting Coral Gables over the weekend, alongside three-star CB Mark Manfred.
While primarily a cornerback, Merritt can also play safety. His height is a significant asset for Miami, joining other tall cornerbacks like sophomore Damari Brown and 2024 signee Dylan Day, both of whom are also 6’2″. This trend of recruiting tall cornerbacks is part of Miami’s strategy to create difficult matchups for opposing wide receivers.
Manfred, who also visited, shares Merritt’s height, highlighting the coaching staff’s preference for taller cornerbacks. Head coach Mario Cristobal, defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, and coach Chevis Jackson have a clear vision for building a physically imposing secondary. The Miami coaches presented Merritt with a three-year developmental plan, solidifying their long-term commitment to his growth.
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