5x Super Bowl-winning coach Dave Merritt lists out reasons why Kalen DeBoer was able to recruit son Dawson Merritt

Former NFL linebacker and Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt has praised Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer's exceptional recruiting skills that led his son, Dawson Merritt, to the Crimson Tide's 2025 class. In an interview published by BamaOnline on Tuesday, coach Merritt, who has won five Super Bowls as a coach, discussed the reasons that led to his son's recruitment.

Alabama became the front-runner in Dawson's recruitment when coach DeBoer moved to Alabama from Washington, post-Nick Saban's retirement. DeBoer-led Huskies had offered Dawson in October 2023. The Merritt family even planned a visit to Seattle during the Huskies' championship run, but Saban's retirement shifted their plan as DeBoer was now moving to Tuscaloosa.

“They (Washington) were in the top five, kept climbing, and then played in the national championship game. We were set on visiting Washington until Nick Saban retired," Dave Merritt said.

Alabama extended an offer to Merritt on Feb. 14. Later, Dawson, a top 100 EDGE from Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas, announced his commitment to Alabama on June 26.

The Merritts visited the Ole Miss Rebels on March 21, followed by a trip to Tuscaloosa. Coach Merritt, who won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants and three with the Chiefs, described the moment he fell in love with Alabama upon arriving at its football facility.

"During our first visit to Tuscaloosa, we spent over an hour and a half on the deck outside coach Saban’s old office, now Coach DeBoer’s office, overlooking the practice field," Merritt said.

"The conversation was mostly non-football related, and my wife was deeply engaged. It was a significant moment. I knew then that it would be Alabama."

Discussions with Caleb and Gary Downs, who have strong ties to Alabama, further influenced the Merritts' decision. Gary Downs, a former teammate of Dave Merritt at NC State, shared his family's positive experiences with Alabama.

"We talked with Caleb Downs, and Gary Downs about Alabama," Dave said. "My wife and Gary’s wife have been close friends for 30 years. You hear them talk about all the love they have for Alabama after transferring to Ohio State and the names they mentioned included coach Ballou and Jeff Allen. It’s not about the building. It’s about the people, and that place is special.”

Although NC State, where both of Merritt’s parents graduated, didn’t make Dawson Merritt’s final list, the family respected his focused decision-making process. This summer, Dawson trained at the Chiefs’ facility, preparing for his future at Alabama.

Dave Merritt shares insights on son Dawson Merritt's recruitment journey

The No. 100 recruit on the On3 Industry Player Rankings, Dawson Merritt, visited several schools in the spring, including multiple trips to Alabama and Nebraska. Missouri and Oklahoma were also on the list.

However, Ole Miss was the first SEC visit on March 21 for Dawson Merritt's father, Dave Merritt. While Dawson Merritt and his mother, Yolonda, had visited before, this was Dave's first look.

“I got caught up with the recency bias,” Dave Merritt said. “I thought the campus was amazing. Eli Manning and I were texting (we worked together at the New York Giants, winning two Super Bowls). He was thrilled that Dawson was visiting Ole Miss and hoped he would seriously consider it.”

During the visit, the Merritts watched a practice session.

“I was impressed,” Dave said. “Seeing Lane Kiffin and the coaches in action was great. I thought Ole Miss was unbeatable. But Dawson and Yolonda reminded me to keep an open mind and see all options.”

Dave also said Dawson Merritt made the final decision independently:

“Dawson carefully weighed each school's pros and cons. I told him to trust his instincts and the guidance of the Lord. It was his choice, not mine.”

Kalen DeBoer's recruitment efforts have positioned the Crimson Tide second nationally for the 2025 class. Alabama, along with Ohio State, boasts over 20 commitments and a blue-chip ratio exceeding 60%.