Tall, talented wide receiver from Union HS to play football for the Fighting Irish
Tobias Merriweather, a standout football player and student at Union High School, made one very important decision recently.
Then he needed to make a decision as to when he was going to announce that very important decision.
Happy birthday to Mom.
Tobias Merriweather, on his mom’s birthday, announced Wednesday that he intends to sign a letter of intent with the University of Notre Dame.
Merriweather had a national audience as he said he would be taking his talents to Notre Dame at a ceremony at the high school, a ceremony that was streamed live on the CBS Sports website.
Merriweather, a 6-foot-4 wide receiver, unzipped his hoodie, revealing a Notre Dame shirt. His parents, Beverly and Dom, also revealed Notre Dame gear, along with other family members who were up on stage with Tobias.
Merriweather said he felt a connection with the Notre Dame coaching staff, noting they were on the same page. He had visited the university a few years ago, then when he returned for another visit, he felt even better about becoming part of the Fighting Irish family.
“They treated me almost like a celebrity, which was kind of fun, but at the end of the day, they just told me kind of straight how it would be when I came and (they) really got to know me, and I got to know some of the guys there,” Merriweather said.
Merriweather added that he did not feel the same connection at other programs he had visited.
CBS noted that Merriweather is the 11th-ranked receiver in the nation, according to 247Sports Composite. Brandon Huffman, the 247Sports recruiting editor, has Merriweather projected as a future second- or third-round prospect in the NFL draft.
Before the announcement, Tobias’ father Dom thanked the small gathering of family, friends, and coaches who were there to watch the announcement live.
“Tobias has always been a dreamer. I remember when he was a little kid, ‘I’m going to go to Stanford. I’m going to go to UCLA.’ All these colleges he would name were always big-time colleges,” Dom said. “And he made it happen.”
Beverly said she is thankful to God.
“I’m so proud that this day has come. I’m excited, and thank you for doing it on my birthday,” she told Tobias.
Union coach Rory Rosenbach shared a few words, as well.
“It’s the culmination, the last chapter in one story, but it’s the first chapter in a much longer one,” Rosenbach said, adding how he has been impressed with Merriweather’s journey since his freshman year to now, as Tobias prepares for his senior season with the Titans.
“He worked hard to be a great athlete, he worked hard to be a great teammate, he worked hard in the offseason, doing the things … to hone his craft,” Rosenbach said.
All those things turned him into a leader, Rosenbach said.
“So proud of you. Can’t wait to watch,” he added.
Merriweather still has a high school football season with the Titans. He can sign with Notre Dame in the early signing period in December or wait until the regular signing period, which begins in February 2022.
