Michael Merdinger

Class:
Redshirt Freshman
Position:
QB
Height:
6-2
Weight:
210
Prev School:
North Carolina
Hometown:
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Previous School:

Transferred to Liberty from North Carolina
Saw playing time in one game during the 2024 season
Completed 9-of-12 passing attempts for 86 yards against UConn during the Wasabi Fenway Bowl

Prep:

Graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Three-star recruit as ranked by Rivals.com
Three-star recruit as ranked by 247Sports.com
Three-star recruit as ranked by On3.com
No. 34 ranked quarterback in the nation by Rivals.com
No. 136 ranked player in the state of Florida by On3.com
Team captain
Played his first two years of high school football at Deerfield Beach High School
Led Deerfield Beach High School to the third round of the playoffs as a sophomore
Played his final two seasons of high school football at Cardinal Gibbons
Threw for 2,850 yards and 26 touchdowns as a senior at Cardinal Gibbons
The 2,850 passing yards ranked second on Cardinal Gibbons single-season list and the 26 touchdowns ranked second
Saw action in 11 games as a junior, throwing for 721 yards and nine touchdowns
Led Cardinal Gibbons to the third round of the playoffs as a senior
Also competed in track and field in the 4x400 and the 200 and 400 meters
Four-time All-Honors and AP honoree

Personal:

Son of Naama and Doron Merdinger
Business Finance major
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel
Moved to the United States when he was eight and is believed to be the first Israeli-born athlete to play at the FBS level
Birthday is March 5

Student-Athlete Q&A
What made Liberty University the right place for you to attend college/compete at the collegiate level?
The people in the building made Liberty the right place for me. I truly love the family environment that coach Chadwell and his staff built. Our building is very united, supportive, and caring.

Is there anything special you do pregame or postgame and why?
Nothing special. I like to keep my pregame routine the same as every other day. I truly believe that you can’t change who you are on game day, you have to LIVE that lifestyle, and it shows during the game. I just try to be myself and do the best I can.

Who in your life inspires you and why are they such an inspiration?
My dad inspires me every day. He is the hardest working person I know. He is strong-spirited, smart, caring, a leader, hard worker, and very passionate. I’ve seen him push through so many ups and downs and seeing him rise above the adversity gives me strength.

What is your most memorable athletic moment/accomplishment?
I’d say my most memorable athletic moment is when I either threw my first varsity touchdown or when I led a compact vs. Cardinal Gibbons from North Carolina my senior year.

If you picked your jersey/uniform number, why is that number important to you?
7! GOD’S NUMBER!

Favorite meal (breakfast/lunch/dinner) and what is that special meal?
Any middle eastern/Israeli food. I love shawarma, kebabs, kubeh, and everything else! I also love a good ribeye or tomahawk.

What is the first app you check on your phone each day?
Weather app.

What is your favorite hobby outside of athletics?
Video games and hanging out.

Do you have any current pets (name and type of animal)?
Yes! I have a 9-month-old Border Collie Puppy and his name is Sparky!

Who was your favorite athlete growing up?
Tom Brady

What is your favorite possession and why?
My ping pong paddle.

What is your Go-To karaoke song?
Love by Keisha Cole

What is your dream vacation spot and why?
Either skiing in the alps or going to Greece.