MICHAEL MERRITT #45

Position	Tight End
Height	6-4
Weight	263
Years Experience	R
Birthdate	9/3/1984
Hometown	West Palm Beach, FL
College	Central Florida
Current status	Active
Games Started	0
Games Played	0

College Bio

Extremely strong tight end joined the Chiefs as the second of the club’s two seventh-round draft picks (239th overall) in the 2008 NFL Draft … Prolific blocker possesses the build of an offensive lineman, but can also contribute in the passing game … Is especially efficient when blocking in space … Combination of size and athleticism proved to be vital assets in the perimeter rushing game at the collegiate level … Is also expected to contribute on special teams … Will benefit greatly from learning the intricacies of the pro game working alongside nine-time Pro Bowl TE Tony Gonzalez … Appeared in 45 games (30 starts) at tight end for Central Florida, catching 17 passes for 201 yards (11.8 avg.).

2007: Started all 14 contests at tight end, earning All-Conference USA honorable mention accolades … Enjoyed his most productive collegiate campaign as a receiver with 12 receptions for 161 yards (13.4 avg.) ... Helped the Knights ground attack produce a conference-leading 234.8 rushing yards per contest … Was credited with nine TD-resulting blocks on an offense that registered 41 rushing TDs … Led the team with 84 knockdown blocks.

2006: Opened all 12 games at tight end … Logged three receptions for 20 yards (6.7 avg.) ... Snared a 12-yard reception on fourth-and-four to set up a game-winning FG vs. Marshall (10/4) ... Credited with 52 knockdowns and five TD-resulting blocks while helping the Knights average 373.2 total offensive yards per contest.

2005: Saw action in all 12 games (four starts), totaling two receptions for 20 yards (10.0 avg.) ... Helped Central Florida earn a berth in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, the program’s first bowl bid since becoming an NCAA Division I-A member in ‘96.

2004: Appeared in seven games, seeing action primarily on special teams.

2003: Redshirted as a true freshman … Majored in Liberal Studies at Central Florida.

Personal Bio

• Competed at both tight end and defensive end at Suncoast High School in Riviera Beach, Florida.

• Led Suncoast to its first district title in 18 years as a senior in 2001.

• Recorded 12.0 sacks and caught 16 passes for 142 yards (8.9 avg.) to earn All-County honors in his final prep campaign.

• Attended Suncoast High School with Chiefs third-round pick S DaJuan Morgan.

• Full name: Michael Antoine Merritt.

• Single, resides in Riviera Beach, Florida.