IOWA CITY, Iowa – – Former University of Iowa defensive back Miguel Merrick will serve as honorary captain when Iowa hosts Middle Tennessee State at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday (11:01 a.m., ESPN2).
Merrick was a four-year letterman (2003-06) for the Hawkeyes, helping Iowa post a 33-17 record over four seasons. The Hawkeyes posted wins in the 2004 Outback Bowl and the 2005 Capital One Bowl, while competing in four straight bowls.
Merrick, a native of Union City, New Jersey, recorded 202 career tackles, including 142 solo tackles and 70 assists. He twice had 14 tackles in a game, including 13 solo stops in a win over Purdue as a senior. He recorded three career interceptions and had two blocked kicks as a sophomore in helping the Hawkeyes claim a share of the Big Ten title.
Merrick started all 13 games at strong safety as a senior when he recorded a career-high 82 tackles and ranked seventh in the Big Ten in pass break-ups. He was a member of the Leadership Team as a senior and was named one of five permanent team captains following the season. He earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2006.
Merrick was also valued for his play on special teams. He earned the Coaches Appreciation Award and the overall Special Teams Award as a senior, the team Hustle Award for defense as a junior, and the Hustle Award for special teams and the Next Man In Award for defense as a sophomore.
Merrick signed a free agent contract with the San Diego Chargers following his Hawkeye career.
Merrick will accompany the Iowa captains to midfield for Saturday’s pregame coin toss. He will also be with the Hawkeyes in the locker room before and after the game.
