Jesse Merise earned a spot on one of the special teams units last season and will continue his bid to work his way into the secondary rotation. The cornerback played in the final seven games and recorded four tackles (three solo). Merise gained Dean[apos]s List recognition after posting a 3.54 grade-point average during the 2013 spring semester and he earned a 3.33 GPA during the 2013 fall semester. He is among 12 returning players from New Jersey.
2013 Junior Season
Merise won a spot on the kickoff coverage unit at mid-season and earned his first letter. Playing in the final seven games, he made four tackles (three solo). Merise recorded two hits in the win over Purdue and had solo stops against Illinois and Nebraska.
High School
Merise was an All-Mid-State and 39 Mountain Division honorable-mention selection as a senior at Hillside High School. Playing for coach John Power, he was twice selected a team captain. Merise was a member of the Hillside High School Athletic/Academic Hall of Fame and the National Honor Society.
Personal
Full name is Jesse Carl Merise. He is the son of Jean and Claudette Merise, and has three younger brothers. He enjoys spending time with his family, reading the Bible and listening to music. Merise is majoring in kinesiology and is interested in pursuing a career in coaching or as a personal trainer. Born September 20, 1992 in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Junior2013
CB
5-8 / 180 lbs