Moved into the defensive line rotation in 2013, seeing action in all 14 games, making six starts… second on the team in quarterback hurries… moved to the line after playing linebacker in 2012… appeared in all eleven games as a sophomore in 2012 and ten games as a freshman… an All-County selection as a junior and senior in high school.

2013: Appeared in all 14 games as a junior, starting six… recorded 23 total tackles, eleven solo, including three for loss and 1.5 sacks… also had five quarterback hurries, three pass breakups and two fumble recoveries… second on team in quarterback hurries… made four tackles, three solo, including one sack in the win at Yale… had four tackles, including 0.5 sacks, at Georgetown… finished with three tackles, two solo, including 0.5 for loss and recovered a fumble at Temple… recorded three stops, one solo, at Colgate… opened season with two tackles, including one for loss, versus Rhode Island… had three quarterback hurries and one pass breakup against Holy Cross.

2012: Appeared in all eleven games as a sophomore, both at linebacker and on special teams… made one solo stop, that coming at Bucknell.

2011: Appeared in ten games as a freshman for the Rams… compiled seven total tackles, five solo… finished with three total tackles, one solo, at Army… made two solo tackles at Colgate.

Before Fordham: A graduate of Etowah High School in Woodstock, Georgia, where he lettered in football, lacrosse and hockey for the Eagles… played football for head coach Bill Stewart… 2009 and 2010 All-County in football… an All-Region 5-A pick in 2010… totaled 78 tackles playing at safety and linebacker in 2010… lettered in football for three years… served as a 2010 team captain… named Cherokee County Gridiron Club Player of the Week three times… lettered in lacrosse for four years… named lacrosse MVP in 2010 and 2011… member of Georgia All-Star Lacrosse team and the Atlanta All-Star team… lettered in hockey for four years and won a state championship in 2010… hockey team was state runner-up in 2011… member of the Honor Roll at Etowah.

Personal: Son of Lynn and Dave Merino… has a younger brother, Vinny, and a younger sister, Mia… an Economics major.