One of Clemson’s top defensive targets knows all about the Tigers, thanks to a former and perhaps future teammate.
London Merritt (6-3 230) is a 2025 defensive end prospect out of Atlanta Woodward Academy, who has a “Top 12” of Clemson, Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Florida State, LSU, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Southern Cal, Tennessee, and Texas A&M. He visited Clemson in April, when the coaches hosted several junior prospects, and the Tigers offered at the beginning of June. He then attended head coach Dabo Swinney’s high school camp with his father in tow.
While at camp, he ran into his former teammate at Woodward, Clemson defensive end AJ Hoffler.
“It was great. It was a great experience to have my old teammate out there, supporting me and stuff, you know, he’s bragging about me a little bit and he was joking around here and there,” Merritt exclaimed. “But it was fun. I can’t wait to go back again.”
Merritt said Hoffler lets him know about Clemson and what it has to offer but also knows when to back off.
“He knows I like them a lot and that I am considering them,” Merritt explained. “He just tells me it’s a good school, great campus, and a great looking campus. He tells me a lot of good things about the coaches. He doesn’t go all out, but he tells me some stuff.”
Merritt explained that the Clemson offer was one he was waiting on.
“It worked out great because Clemson doesn’t really offer underclassmen like that,” he bragged. “You have to earn a Clemson offer, and that let me know they are really considering me. They want me to come to that school. It means a lot.”
Merritt’s plan moving forward is to continue building his relationship with defensive ends coach Lemanski Hall.
“My mom and my dad love him. He’s great people,” Merritt admitted. “Every time I talk to him, he makes me feel good. He doesn’t make me feel pressured. He just talks to me like a regular coach.”
Merritt said he hopes to make it back for a game this fall, and a decision could come as early as next January.
Merritt was named the defensive line MVP at the Under Armour Next Future50 showcase in Florida.
