University of South Dakota Athletics

2016
One of nine Coyotes who started all 11 games, he at defensive end … led the team and ranked 15^th in the MVFC in sacks with 5.0 (all solo) … totaled 36 tackles, which ranked 10^th on the team, including 18 solo stops and 7.5 tackles-for-loss … also had three quarterback hurries, recovered two fumbles – both inside the red zone – and forced another … had two sacks each in wins against Weber State (9/10) and 11^th-ranked Northern Iowa (10/8) … had a fourth-down sack against UNI near midfield that preserved the Dakota Days victory … recovered a fumble and rumbled 43 yards to set up a field goal attempt at the end of the first half against Southern Illinois (11/5) … had seven tackles and forced a fumble against North Dakota (9/17) … had a career-best eight tackles in the win against UNI … competed in all 46 Coyote games from 2013-16 … MVFC Conference Honor Roll member

2015
One of 11 Coyotes who started all 11 games, he at defensive end … finished second in the Valley and ninth nationally in fumbles forced with four in 11 games … finished sixth on the team in tackles with 38 including 21 solo stops, 8.0 for loss and 3.0 sacks … tied for second on the team in sacks and was fourth in tackles-for-loss … also credited with four quarterback hurries … had a season-high seven tackles against 10^th-ranked Youngstown State (10/3) … had five tackles including two strip sacks that USD recovered at 21^st-ranked UNI (10/31) … forced a fumble against Western Illinois that led to a 50-yard touchdown drive (10/10) … had another strip sack against fifth-ranked South Dakota State (11/14) … had six tackles including a season-best 2.5 for loss in the home opener against Drake (9/19) … MVFC Honor Roll member

2014
Was one of 25 Coyotes who played in all 12 games … appeared on special teams and as a reserve linebacker … accumulated 11 tackles including four solo stops … had a season-high three tackles in South Dakota’s win against nationally-ranked Northern Arizona (9/20) … earned his first collegiate sack against national runner-up Illinois State (11/15) … was credited with two quarterback hurries on the year.

2013
One of nine Coyotes who earned time as a true freshman ... played in all 12 games, mainly on special teams ... had eight tackles, including five on special teams ... had a season-high three stops (all solo) at Northern Arizona (9/21) ... MVFC Honor Roll member.

Prep
All-State selection as a senior after earning all-state honorable mention honors as a junior...made 118 tackles on defense while throwing for 761 yards and running for 675 yards as a senior...made a school record 311 tackles and scored 32 touchdowns in his career...also a two-time all-district and all-conference honoree...three-time state medalist in track...National Honor Society Vice-President and was on honor roll for all of high school.

Personal
Son of J.P. and Shelley Mertlik...business management major.