Blue Valley High School in Stilwell, Kansas, boasts not only academic excellence but also a burgeoning football talent in the form of Dawson Merritt. Standing tall at 6’3” and weighing in at 215 pounds, Merritt is not only a force to be reckoned with on the gridiron but also a young man with a diverse range of interests and a strong sense of community.

Merritt's journey into football may have started later than some, but his trajectory has been nothing short of impressive. "I was kind of a late bloomer," Merritt admits. "My first year of football was my freshman year of high school. I was always a basketball guy. My dad is the DBs coach for the Kansas City Chiefs so football was always in my blood; I just never played it."

Despite his late start, Merritt wasted no time in making up for lost time. Beyond his high school coaches, he seeks guidance and training at the Chiefs' facility, honing his skills under the watchful eye of their head strength coach. Additionally, he dedicates time to film study and on-field drills with his father, ensuring a well-rounded approach to his development as an athlete.

His talent and dedication haven't gone unnoticed, as evidenced by the whirlwind of recruiting activity surrounding him. "My first offer was after my first game my junior season," Merritt recalls. "That’s when I would say I broke out into the scene and everything got crazy from there. I got 26 offers in a 6 month span."

Despite the flurry of attention, Merritt remains focused on what matters most to him in the recruiting process. "I would say I’m down to about 4 schools," he reveals. "The things that stand out to me is clear proof of development, and relationships I’ve built with these staffs."

While football occupies much of his time and attention, Merritt maintains a balanced life off the field. He shares, "I like rap or R&B, my favorite artist is Lil Yachty and I’m also a big Drake guy. I like to play all the sports video games like Madden, 2k, and MLB. I have a Bible study group once a week, and I also go to church with the family every Sunday."

As the upcoming football season looms on the horizon, Merritt remains committed to his craft. "We workout as a football team in the morning 4 times a week," he explains. "I go up to the Chiefs facility once a week, and another spot twice a week. I also watch a lot of film with my dad, and as this weather gets nicer I’m hoping to get on the field for some drill work."

With his blend of talent, work ethic, and character, Dawson Merritt is not just a rising star on the football field but also a role model for his peers, both on and off the gridiron. As he continues to pursue his dreams, one thing is certain: the future looks bright for this young athlete from Blue Valley High.