Phillip Merling, a 2005 alumnus, joined head coach Frank Arritt's staff on July 24, 2020 as an assistant in charge of defensive line, tight ends, and community life.
During his time at FUMA, Merling was the recipient of the Charles Graham Thomas Award for the best athlete in the Corps of Cadets.
After a receiving a full scholarship to Clemson University, Merling became a freshman All-American, was named the Defensive Line MVP his sophomore and junior campaigns and was named the first junior captain in Clemson history. He was the first four-time winner of the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Week Award since the 1960’s.
Merling entered the 2008 NFL Draft and was selected as the 32nd pick to the Miami Dolphins. During his five seasons in Miami, the St. Matthews, S.C., native earned second-team All-Rookie honors, was a two-time AFC Player of the Week (2010) and named NFL Captain for Monday Night Football (2010). Merling also played multiple seasons for the Green Bay Packers (2012-2013) and the Washington Redskins (2013-14).
