How a Surprise Offer from UNC Football Turned Gary Merrill into a Two-Sport Prospect

Gary Merrill was on campus for a pre-arranged visit with his future North Carolina lacrosse teammates Jan. 23 when he popped into the Tar Heels football office.

UNC director of player personnel Joe Anile asked the St. Anthony’s (N.Y.) two-sport star to come in for a visit after saying he, new head coach Bill Belichick and offensive coordinator Freddie Kitchen were impressed with Merrill’s film.

And then somewhere between “hello” and “how was your flight” came the words the midfielder and quarterback had only dreamed of to that point.