Recruiting: Ex-Destrehan standout Merritt to Arkansas State; Cajuns gain pledge from Ocean Springs athlete

Former Destrehan High standout Kirk Merritt has signed with Arkansas State. Hopefully, this will lead to the success everyone anticipated he’d enjoy back as a prep recruit in 2015.

The 5-foot-11, 205 pound Merritt won the prestigious SPARQ National Championship in Beaverton, Oregon at the Nike camp in July ’14. He ran a 10.5 hundred and 4.45 forty with a helium type 45″ vertical. The powerfully built athlete inked with Oregon in the 2015 class, appearing in 11 contests. He transferred following the season, landing at Texas A&M where he was dismissed from team with out playing in a game for the Aggies.

His next move was a transfer to East Mississippi JUCO where he teamed up with former LSU and Zachary High quarterback Lindsey Scott.

Merritt considered offers from Tulane, ULL, UTSA, Troy, Arkansas State and Bowling Green before opting for the Red Wolves. He represents the 16th signee for Arkansas State in this year’s class. Merritt has two years of eligibility remaining.

Louisiana-Lafayette hired 38 year old Billy Napier as head coach one month ago. He was saddled with the chore of filling the 2018 signing class, trying to re-stock the roster with a higher quality of talent.

The Ragin’ Cajuns added their fourth 2018 commitment with Malcolm Magee from Ocean Springs, Miss. ULL won out over UTSA, Troy. Toledo, Colorado State, ULM, Central Arkansas, SLU, Nicholls and Jackson State.

As a receiver, Magee (6-0, 177) had 23 grabs for 286 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, he tallied 63 tackles with eight PBU and three interceptions. One of his picks became a 100 yard touchdown return.

Magee also played on the hardwood for the Greyhounds, averaging 15.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists.