GLENDALE – The Arizona Cardinals are staying in the state to look at possible prospects for the 2025 draft in less than three weeks. The Cardinals are going to hold a Top 30 draft visit with former Arizona Wildcat running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. A Top 30 draft is a private visit from an NFL team with any eligible players in the draft for interviews or medical evolutions. Arizona seemingly has interest in the former Wildcats running back, who is an explosive prospect.
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Jan 30, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; East running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt of Arizona (31) runs with the ball against the West during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Tuscon Star’s Justin Spears on Croskey-Merritt visiting with Cardinals:
Croskey-Merrit was in college for six years, spending the first four at Alabama State. The 5’11 running back saw limited action with the Hornets, only tallying 1,200 rushing yards in four years. However, Croskey-Merrit transferred to New Mexico, where he exploded for 1,190 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
With the Lobos, he was a dominant force that caught the eye of former Arizona Wildcats Jedd Fisch to join a Power Four program. However, Fisch left for the Washington Huskies job, leaving Croskey-Merritt in a new system under Brent Brennan, who again saw limited time on the field because of running out of eligibility.
Aug 31, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona Wildcats running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (1) celebrates touchdown with Arizona Wildcats wide receiver Chris Hunter (16) during fourth quarter at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aryanna Frank-USA TODAY Sports
During last season, Croskey-Merritt only appeared in one game against his old team, the Lobos, where he ran for 106 yards on the ground and a touchdown. Unable to showcase his talent nationally with a Power 4 program was tragic for the 23-year-old.
However, he didn’t quit, competing in the Shrine’s East vs. West bowl game. Croskey-Merritt won the offensive MVP of the game, running for 97 yards and two touchdowns in the 25-0 win.
Croskey-Merritt is a strong downhill back who has received NFL comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco. The limited tape from last season shows the Arizona running back as a day 3 prospect or potential undrafted free agent. Regardless, the Cardinals are interested in meeting with Croskey-Merritt and possibly taking a flyer on the young running back in the late rounds.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
