Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is preparing for the NFL Draft after a college career marked by unexpected turns. His path included stops at Alabama State, New Mexico, and Arizona.
Croskey-Merritt played one game for Arizona in 2024 before an eligibility issue halted his season. University officials were cautious and pulled him from play after a concern arose about his status.
The concern stemmed from his freshman year at Alabama State in 2019. He appeared in eight games that season. Following a pandemic-influenced break, both Croskey-Merritt and coaching staff believed he had effectively redshirted, despite exceeding the four-game limit later established by the NCAA for redshirts.
Donald Hill-Eley, former Alabama State head coach, accepted responsibility for the confusion, stating that research into his playing time should have been done earlier. Hill-Eley called the situation "holy hell" after 35 years of coaching without eligibility errors.
Despite the lost season at Arizona, Croskey-Merritt participated in college football all-star events. He played in the Hula Bowl and was named Offensive MVP at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Arlington, Texas. At the Shrine Bowl, he rushed for 97 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries.
At the Big 12 Pro Day in Frisco, Texas, Croskey-Merritt demonstrated athleticism. He recorded the fastest 40-yard dash time among running backs at 4.45 seconds and the highest vertical jump at 41.5 inches. He also had 17 bench press reps and a broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches.
NFL teams have inquired about the eligibility issue during the draft process, but Croskey-Merritt stated it hasn't been as significant a concern as anticipated. He believes his performances at the East-West Shrine Bowl and Big 12 Pro Day helped his draft standing.
Croskey-Merritt has spoken with numerous NFL teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and New England Patriots.
Alonzo Carter, Arizona's running backs coach, praised Croskey-Merritt. "I'm excited to see what NFL team is getting a steal in the draft, because he's an NFL football player," Carter said.
