:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/55666145/607930608.0.jpg)
Virginia landed another transfer QB today in the form of a UVa legacy. It was discovered by multiple outlets that Texas Longhorns QB Matthew Merrick is transferring to Virginia as a QB.
As a transfer, Merrick will sit out the 2017 season after redshirting his freshman season in 2015, he did not see any playing time in 2016 and will have two seasons of eligibility left starting in 2018. He reportedly walked away from the UT program this spring, and many expected him to be done with football.
Just spoke to Matthew Merrick. He confirms @Wahoos247 report. Former Texas QB is already at #UVa. Current plan is he'll sit out '17.
— Andrew Ramspacher (@ARamspacher) July 11, 2017
A 3 star prospect in high school according to 247, Merrick chose Texas over offers from Nevada and Colorado State. He had a grade of 0.8428 as the 43rd best QB in the class of 2015.
With Kurt Benkert as the incumbent starter this season, playing time could be sparse, but entering the 2018 season, Merrick will likely compete with 2017 freshman, Lindell Stone, 2017 RS freshman, De’Vante Cross, and incoming 2018 freshman/current commit, Wyatt Rector.
Many older UVa fans will remember Matthew’s father, Nick Merrick, as a standout wide receiver for the Cavaliers in the early 80’s. Nick Merrick racked up 1044 yards receiving and 3 TDs in 65 receptions over his four years on the field. He was 10th in the ACC in receiving yards in 1982 with 418.