Historic 2025 Commitment: 5-Star EDGE from Harvest, AL Picks West Virginia Over SEC Powerhouses
In a stunning and historic recruiting win that’s reverberating across the college football landscape, West Virginia has landed the commitment of Tyreek “Tank” Merriweather, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound five-star EDGE rusher from Harvest, Alabama. Widely regarded as the No. 1 defensive player in the nation for the 2025 class, Merriweather turned down offers from perennial powerhouses Alabama, LSU, and Clemson to don the gold and blue in Morgantown — a move that few predicted, but one that could reshape the future of Mountaineer football.
Merriweather made his announcement Friday night in front of a packed gym at Sparkman High School, donning a navy West Virginia cap and unzipping his jacket to reveal a Mountaineers jersey. Gasps swept through the crowd, followed by a roar from the West Virginia faithful who made the trip, fully aware they were witnessing a program-defining moment.
“I wanted to build something, not just be another name in a long line,” Merriweather said, eyes sharp with conviction. “At West Virginia, I can be the name.”
Known for his freakish blend of power, speed, and relentless motor, Merriweather recorded 21.5 sacks, 37 tackles for loss, and five forced fumbles during his junior season. His ability to bend the edge, explode through double teams, and chase down quarterbacks has drawn comparisons to former NFL All-Pro Von Miller. More than just an athlete, Merriweather carries a 3.9 GPA and leads his school’s mentoring program, proving he’s as committed off the field as he is between the lines.
West Virginia head coach Marcus Dillard — himself a former All-American linebacker — personally led the recruitment, visiting Harvest three times this past year. Sources close to the program say Dillard’s vision for building a dominant defensive identity and his ability to connect with Merriweather’s family were crucial in sealing the deal.
“He didn’t sell me on trophies already in the case,” Merriweather said of Dillard. “He sold me on putting new ones in it.”
This commitment marks West Virginia’s first five-star recruit since 2010, and their first ever from Alabama. The Mountaineers, long considered underdogs in national recruiting battles, now suddenly find themselves in the conversation with the elite. Analysts are calling it the biggest recruiting coup in WVU history.
“This is a seismic shift,” said 247Sports analyst Greg Holloway. “When a generational talent from SEC country spurns Nick Saban’s dynasty, LSU’s swagger, and Clemson’s national brand for West Virginia? That’s not just a win. That’s a culture change.”
The ripple effects are already being felt. Within hours of Merriweather’s commitment, two top-100 prospects — one a four-star cornerback from Georgia, the other a blue-chip linebacker from Ohio — posted cryptic eye emojis on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting West Virginia’s 2025 class is only just beginning to heat up.
As the Mountaineer faithful flood message boards and social media in celebration, one thing is clear: Tyreek “Tank” Merriweather didn’t just commit to a school — he may have just ignited a revolution in Morgantown.
