Beloved Chiefs Coach's Son Commits to Major College Football Program

Dawson Merritt, the son of beloved Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt, officially committed to Alabama on Thursday, choosing the Crimson Tide over Kansas, Nebraska, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and others.

The four-star linebacker stars at Blue Valley High School in Overland Park, Kansas, recording 83 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and a pair of fumble recoveries in his junior season.

Dave Merritt enters his sixth season with the Chiefs and 28th in the NFL. Dawson is one of the best high school players in the Kansas City area and his commitment to such a storied program reflects that.

Chiefs DBs Coach Dave Merritt's Son Commits to Alabama

The 91st-ranked player nationally and third-best in the state of Kansas, Dawson is long and versatile, allowing defenses to deploy him as a pure pass rusher or in coverage. His highlight reel is filled with impact plays, and he hopes to follow in his father's footsteps and play in the NFL.

"We're going to have the number one recruiting class in the country," Dawson told On3's Chad Simmons. "If I have an opportunity to be a part of that and be recruited by the best, why would I not want to play with all the best players?"

Despite heavy pursuit from Nebraska, Dawson will instead help to hope mold a new Alabama program after legendary coach Nick Saban's retirement. It's neat to imagine him one day playing for his dad in the NFL, a distinct possibility if he delivers on his promise.

This is a special day for the Merritt family. The Chiefs start training camp in less than a month and Merritt has a critical role in shaping the secondary after L'Jarius Sneed's departure, though for now he deserves to celebrate.

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