College Career
2007 Season - Junior Year
Merling came into the season as a returning starter and all-star candidate at defensive end. He nearly doubled his tackle production as a sophomore over his freshman year when he was a freshman All-American. He led the Tigers with 7 sacks, and registered 17 tackles for loss last season, while producing 78 tackles and earning an honorable mention for the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team from the league's coaches.
2006 Season - Sophomore Year
Merling started all 13 games and totaled 3 sacks and 46 tackles, third-most among defensive linemen. He was ninth on the team in tackles on Clemson's top-16 total and scoring defense. He had 10 tackles for loss, second-most on the team behind Gaines Adams.
2005 Season - Freshman Year
In his freshman year, he played 271 snaps, fifth among Clemson freshmen and second among first-year freshmen. He had his top game against #25 Boston College when he had six tackles, including five first hits, in a season-high 47 plays. His first sack came against N.C. State. He finished the season with 22 tackles and two sacks.
Awards
- Won the 12th Man Award for the defense as a rookie
- Second-team freshman All-America defensive end by Rivals.com