Lakeland University Athletics

Lakeland: Merriweather transferred to Lakeland from conference rival Rockford University for the second semester in the 2025-26 school year and is in his first season with the Muskies football team.

Rockford: Merriweather played in 18 games over two season with the Regents, making 29 tackles (11 solo, 18 assisted) including one-half tackle for loss… Posted a season high of 23 tackles (nine solo, 14 assisted) in 2025, when he played in all 10 games… Set season high with five tackles on two occasions… Also rushed twice for 13 yards as a freshman in 2024.

High School: Four-year letter winner in football and track & field… Captain on football team as a senior… High honor roll student.

Personal: Son of Dave & Jenny Vernetti… Also is a member of the Lakeland track & field team… Majoring in criminal justice.


Career ambition/goal: Cop/detective
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite movie: Halloween
Favorite music artist: Michael Jackson
Favorite athletes: Ray Lewis (former Baltimore Ravens linebacker), Marshawn Lynch (former Seattle Seahawks running back)
Favorite sports team: New York Giants (NFL)
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Hero/most influential person: My uncle