| Height: | 6'3 |
| Weight: | 245 |
| Position: | DE |
| College: | Montclair State University |
| Professional Teams: | 2010 Draft Client |
2009: Merkle led the Red Hawks with eight sacks in addition to 80 total tackles. A 3rd Team All-American selection and 1st Team All-Conference Selection, Merkle, an NJAC Defensive Player of the Week selection, also accumulated 18.5 tackles for loss (of 81 yards) and two forced fumbles. Merkle finished 19th overall in tackles in the NJAC and was second in tackles for loss, third in sacks and sixth in fumbles caused. In eight of 11 games this season, Merkle collected six or more tackles, including a season-high 11 against Brockport. He also became the first MSU player since Shawn Roberts in 1997 to record four sacks in a game as he posted that numbers in a win over Morrisville State.
2008: First year at Montclair after transferring from Stony Brook, Chris had a great season amassing 53 tackles (9 for loss), 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception which landed him a spot on the All-Conference 2nd Team.
2006 (Stony Brook): Chris recorded 41 tackles (4.5 for Loss) and 1 sack for the year after appearing in 10 games for the Seawolves.
2005 (Stony Brook): Had a great freshman year recording 67 tackles (10.5 for loss) to go along with 3.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles. Also, recording 7 pass breakups, aiding the pass defense…game high 11 tackles, 1 for loss, forced a fumble and had 1 pass break up versus Sacred Heart (10/22)… Recorded five tackles and a sack to help Stony Brook capture its first NEC championship with a win over CCSU (11/12)….made 13 total tackles in loss to Marist (11/19)…
