ChadMerida

Joined the team in the spring … Hard worker who impressed the coaches with his toughness … Had two carries for seven yards in the Blue/White Spring Game.

High School: Two-way player in high school, starting at running back and safety all four years … Led the team to 24 wins in his last three years … Very successful senior season as the Panthers’ running back, rushing for 1,800 yards and seven touchdowns … Had 2,300 all-purpose yards his senior season … Best game of his career game against Middlesboro, where he had 320 all-purpose yards, including three touchdowns … Named honorable-mention all-state as a senior … Was all-conference four years … Was also a sprinter on the track team for five years, advancing to the state finals in several events … Lettered in basketball one year and baseball two years … Academic All-State all four years … Graduated in 2010 before joining the Army.

Personal: Born in Barbourville, Ky. … Son of Dean and Amy Merida … Plans on a major in kinesiology.