Arizona RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s Stock Skyrocketing After Elite Pre-NFL Draft Metrics

In the East-West Shrine Bowl on Jan. 30, 2025, Croskey-Merritt delivered an electrifying performance, helping the East team secure a 25-0 victory. He rushed 11 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 8.8 yards per carry.

His first touchdown came with a hesitation move and stiff-arm to break free, while his second score extended the East’s commanding 22-0 halftime lead.

After not playing this season of college football due to an NCAA issue, @ArizonaFBall RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt has steadily become one of the biggest risers at the position this draft cycle.

I talked to Jacory early in the season after he was ruled ineligible, and mentioned how… pic.twitter.com/FkuWKiw3rQ

— Eric Galko (@EricGalko) March 28, 2025

Despite one drop as a receiver, his explosive runs and ability to break tackles made a strong impression on NFL scouts evaluating his draft prospects.

Eric Galko, Director of Football Operations and Player Personnel for the East-West Shrine Bowl, posted on X on March 28, 2025, about the rise of Arizona Wildcats running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle despite significant challenges.

Galko pointed out that Croskey-Merritt missed the entire college football season due to an NCAA eligibility issue, stating, “After not playing this season of college football due to an NCAA issue, @ArizonaFBall RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt has steadily become one of the biggest risers at the position this draft cycle.”

Galko shared that he had spoken to Croskey-Merritt early in the season after the ineligibility ruling, suggesting that participating in both the Hula Bowl and Shrine Bowl practices could help him regain scouts’ attention.

Galko praised Croskey-Merritt’s performance, saying, “He CRUSHED both events, including winning #ShrineBowl RB Practice Player of the Week AND the #ShrineBowl game MVP.”

Additionally, Galko highlighted Croskey-Merritt’s standout showing at the Big 12 Conference Pro Day, where he “posted ELITE vertical and broad jumps and finishing in the top 80-90th percentile in the speed times.”

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Galko concluded by expressing pride in Croskey-Merritt’s resilience, noting, “Super proud of @JacoryMerritt15 this draft cycle, and despite all of his adversity (and no NFL Combine), he’s certainly in line to be drafted, and drafted before some other well-known backs!”

Despite facing setbacks early in his career, Croskey-Merritt’s determination and standout performances in the pre-draft circuit have placed him firmly on the NFL radar. His resilience and impressive skills have not only elevated his draft stock but also proved that he is a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 NFL Draft.