Nutley HS football standout Craig Merkle signs with Wagner College

NUTLEY – Nutley High School senior Craig Merkle has signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his football career at Wagner College in Staten Island, N.Y. on an athletic scholarship.

Merkle will play linebacker at Wagner.

The 6-foot, 215-pound Merkle became the school’s all-time leader rusher with 3,278 yards on 394 attempts for an average of 8.31 yards per carry this past seson. Merkle also broke the school’s career record for touchdowns with 49 and points scored with 296 points. He also had 18 receptions for 308 yards and six TDs; one interception returned for a TD; and one kickoff return for a score in his career.

The Raiders started the 2015 season 8-0 but lost the final two games, including in the quarterfinals of the North Jersey Section 2, Group 3 playoffs against West Essex to finish at 8-2.