Kalen DeBoer's Alabama lands commitment from four-star LB Dawson Merritt to the class of 25: Reports

Four-star linebacker Dawson Merritt, from Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas, has committed to Alabama's 2025 recruiting class. Merritt, who had Nebraska as his other top choice, made the announcement on Wednesday after a thorough evaluation of his options.

Nebraska had identified Merritt as a top priority since extending an offer in November, and they even hosted him for multiple visits. However, he also visited Alabama three times since March, including an official visit to Tuscaloosa in June, which evidently sealed the deal.

Outside linebackers coach Christian Robinson played a big role in recruiting Merritt. He informed head coach Kalen DeBoer, Robinson, and general manager Courtney Morgan of his commitment decision before making his public announcement.

Merritt is the sixth linebacker to commit to Alabama's 2025 class, joining fellow linebackers Luke Metz, Jaedon Harmon, Abduall Sanders, Darrell “Duke” Johnson, and Myles Johnson. This summer’s recruiting has been particularly fruitful for them, landing six top-100 players: Keelon Russell, Jackson Lloyd, Michael Carroll, Chuck McDonald, and now Merritt, with them also eyeing top prospect Justin Hill.

Dawson Merritt is the son of Dave Merritt, a former NC State and Miami Dolphins linebacker. Dave currently serves as the defensive backs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his illustrious career includes five Super Bowl victories with the New York Giants and Chiefs.

Dawson Merritt tips Alabama for top spot in recruiting class rankings

Dawson Merritt now becomes the Crimson Tide's 10th commitment in June. His decision strengthens Alabama's No. 2 overall recruiting class, according to 247Sports, placing them just behind the Ohio State Buckeyes.

The main reason behind Merritt's commitment to Alabama is their promising recruiting class.

“This recruiting class is impressive because of the guys that Alabama is landing and the guys that I know they will be landing this week and in the upcoming weeks,” Merritt said (via On3).

Merritt received offers from 24 programs, but Alabama's potential won his heart.

“We’re going to have the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. If I have the opportunity to be a part of that and be recruited by the best, why would I not want to play with all the best players?”

Merritt is ranked as the No. 6 linebacker, the No. 3 player in Kansas, and the No. 62 overall prospect in the Class of 2025 by 247Sports. His junior season saw him record 83 tackles and 17 tackles for loss, along with seven sacks.

Listed as a linebacker on his On3 profile, Dawson Merritt is not being recruited as an inside backer at Alabama. Instead, he will play the WOLF position, which is designed for a hybrid linebacker, allowing him to be utilized as both a linebacker and edge rusher for the program.