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This summer, Prep Sports Report highlights some of the area’s top returning quarterbacks at several schools across the area. We’ll take a look back at these signal-callers in 2020 and look ahead to what could be ahead for them in 2021 and beyond.

After starting every game behind center as a freshman in 2020, Jake Merklinger returns for his sophomore campaign with big expectations for head coach Mark Stroud and the Calvary Day program heading into 2021. Last season, when the Cavs (9-5 overall) reached the Georgia High School Association’s Class A Private Final 4, Merklinger looked to be a passer who was polished well beyond his years.

Behind Merklinger, Calvary’s offense averaged 23.5 points per game, but in their eight on-field wins (one forfeit victory) Merklinger’s Cavs scored 32 points on average. He threw for 2,107 yards and 18 scores while completing nearly 65-percent of his passes as a frosh. 

Although he threw 12 interceptions in his 13 games, the matter-of-fact Merklinger showed progression nearly every step of the way, and that’s what leads to such high expectations this year despite the loss of key contributors in Greg Daniel (running back), Brogan Korta (wide receiver) and brother Ryan Merklinger (offensive lineman).

“I haven’t been trying to do too much. Overdoing it (in the off-season workout programs, camps, etc.) can be bad for you if you aren’t taking it one day at a time,” Merklinger said in a June phone call with PSR. “I think our team this year has a lot of guys who are real sleepers that not a lot of people know about.

“I think we are going to be really good again to be honest.”

He isn’t a prototypical dual-threat, but the young QB showed poise and clutchness by rushing for five touchdowns on the year despite rarely having drawn-up running plays called for him.

From September 11, through December 11 (10 games), Merklinger was intercepted just four times across 192 attempts. He threw three picks in the opener and five in the finale.

This off-season, the Class of 2024 quarterback received scholarship offers from Cincinnati and Michigan State University.

And, although he may not admit it, last season was impossible to expect for Calvary and Merklinger. 

“I can’t say we expected it, but we prepared for that success for sure.”

What a pleasant surprise, but the early career success won’t cause him too much additional pressure, says Merk.

“I’m just pretty much sticking to the same (routines) and practice habits,” he said. “Trying to become a better player, and a better person. At this time last year, I was new and I think I learned a lot especially earlier and I got better from it I think. One goal is to win and that’s it. Nothing else can matter ahead of that.”

This year, the entire area will know what -- and who -- to expect under-center for Calvary and company.

Follow Merklinger on Twitter @JakeMerklinger.

Follow Travis on Twitter & Instagram @JaudonSports. Contact him at travisLjaudon@gmail.com.

Photo - Kim Merklinger Twitter