Joe Gaiter: What does football mean to you?
Devyn Merklin: Football is an outlet for me. It’s a sport that I grew up playing so it has become second nature. Without it, life would be fairly dull.
Joe Gaiter: Where were you born and how was your childhood?
Devyn Merklin: I was born in Carlsbad, California but moved to Apex, North Carolina when I was young. I had a great childhood and couldn’t ask for a better one. I was given the opportunity to play this sport at a very young age. It taught me a lot and kept me grounded throughout life.
Joe Gaiter: When were you introduced to sports?
Devyn Merklin: I was first introduced to sports when I was 5 or 6. I played Tee Ball and shortly realized this sport was too slow and I need something more fast pace d.
Joe Gaiter: Why did you choose to attend the University of North Carolina at Greensboro?
Devyn Merklin: I originally went to East Carolina University to walk on the football team but as I saw the program upclose I fell out of love for the sport. I transfered to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro to pursue a Marketing degree and found out that they had a NCFA Football team.
Joe Gaiter: How was it to be apart of the formation of UNCG football team?
Devyn Merklin: It is truly an honor to be apart of this football team and to be apart of the council which is a talented group of individuals who helped bring football here to UNCG.
Joe Gaiter: Tell me about your team’s dynamic and what is your role?
Devyn Merklin: Our Defense are animals! They have unbeatable intensity every time they line up on the ball. Our offense is fluid and progressing at a rapid rate. The chemistry between our quarterbacks and wide receivers is truly a sight to see. As a whole the best way I can describe us is a brotherhood. Everybody picks each other up and are always looking to making each other better. I would like to say I’m an offensive leader. I can play all offensive positions just in case a teammate goes down as well as starting as the Slot Back for our offense.
Joe Gaiter: Are you thinking of entering into the draft?
Devyn Merklin: I never truly wanted Football to be my life so I never pursued a career in it. Us being in the NCFA and not the NCAA we are not given the same exposure. Although the NFL would be a dream. It’s not for me.
Joe Gaiter: What motivates you on the field?
Devyn Merklin: That first hit is all the motivation I need throughout a game. It calls all my nerves and hypes me up.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us all about your clothing line Merkies Apparel and how did you come up with the name?
Devyn Merklin: Merkies Apparel was created by myself and my good friend Austin Pisacane. We started out of the dining room in our college apartment 2 years ago and is progressively growing. We had a message that we wanted to relay to people and that was to “Own your life” which means take what you love doing in life and make it yours, make it your life. The Merkies name is derived from my last name and a big inspiration for us, my cousin, Sean Mclnerney aka “Poopies” from Red Bull’s “Who is JOB” with professional surfer Jamie O’Brien.
Joe Gaiter: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Devyn Merklin: 5 years from now I see myself well into my career which would be taking
Merkies Apparel to a never foreseen level. But more importantly I will be “Owning my life.”
Joe Gaiter: Final Words?
Devyn Merklin: All in all enjoy your life, push yourself, grow, never stop asking questions, leave this planet knowing you made a difference and most importantly Own Your Life!
Be on the look out for the UNCG Spartans!
Joe Gaiter: How can we get in contact with you?
Devyn Merklin: You can get in contact with me at:
Instagram:
@devyn_merkies
@merkies_apparel
@uncgf
Email:
[email protected]
Be sure to check out www.merkiesapparel.com
