By Vinod Ram 
Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of professional football, few rookie stories shine brighter than Jacory Croskey-Merritt Commanders rookie RB in 2025. Drafted by the Washington Commanders with the No. 245 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Croskey-Merritt has quickly become one of the most talked-about rookie running backs in the NFL. His path from HBCU football standout to an emerging NFL playmaker is filled with perseverance, transfers, and breakout performances that make his journey one of the most compelling in football this year.
Early Life and High School Career in Alabama
- Born: April 12, 2001 – Montgomery, Alabama
- High School: Sidney Lanier High School
As a dynamic two-way athlete at Sidney Lanier High, Croskey-Merritt compiled over 2,354 all-purpose yards, showcasing his speed, power, and versatility on offense and special teams. His early dominance caught the eye of college football recruiters, paving the way for a winding yet remarkable NCAA journey.
College Career: Three Schools, One NFL Dream
Alabama State Hornets (2018–2022) – HBCU Roots
Croskey-Merritt began his career at Alabama State University, an HBCU powerhouse, where he recorded:
- 1,164 rushing yards
- 13 touchdowns
- 31 career games played
Despite success, eligibility issues and number-switch confusion clouded his 2019 season, creating complications that followed him later in his career. Still, his time at Alabama State shaped his reputation as a gritty, resilient back.
New Mexico Lobos (2023) – Breakout Season
Transferring to the University of New Mexico, Croskey-Merritt delivered his best college season:
- 1,190 rushing yards (7th all-time in program history)
- 17 rushing touchdowns (3rd all-time)
This historic performance put him on the national radar, showing scouts he had the skillset of a feature back.
Arizona Wildcats (2024) – A Final Hurdle
In 2024, Croskey-Merritt transferred to the University of Arizona. However, eligibility issues limited him to just 13 carries. Though the season ended abruptly, his prior production and resilience kept NFL teams interested.
Pre-Draft Journey: Shrine Bowl & NFL Combine Success
Croskey-Merritt refused to let limited Arizona reps define him. At the East-West Shrine Bowl, he exploded with 97 yards and two touchdowns on 11 carries, proving he could dominate against top-tier competition. His NFL Combine performance further boosted his draft stock, showcasing his strength, speed, and vision.
2025 NFL Draft: Washington Commanders Take a Chance
The Washington Commanders selected Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round, 245th overall. Standing 5-foot-10, 206 pounds, he entered training camp with little hype but quickly turned heads with his explosive playstyle and work ethic.
Full 2025 NFL Draft results here.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Commanders Training Camp Breakthrough
Just weeks into camp, Croskey-Merritt became one of the biggest risers on the Commanders’ depth chart. His downhill running style, strong pass protection (5% pressure rate allowed), and scheme fit in Kliff Kingsbury’s inside zone offense make him an ideal rookie weapon for Washington.
Playing Style & Strengths
Scouting reports highlight Croskey-Merritt as:
- Aggressive, downhill runner with great vision
- Decisive lateral cutter who finds space quickly
- Pass protection standout among 2025 rookie RBs
- Versatile back who fits multiple offensive schemes
See full scouting breakdown via NFL Draft Profile.
Fantasy Football Impact: Sleeper RB in 2025
Fantasy football experts, including Matthew Berry, have tabbed Croskey-Merritt as a deep sleeper RB for the 2025 season. With his rapid rise in Washington’s backfield rotation, he could provide late-round fantasy draft value and even carve out a starting role if opportunities arise.
2025 Season Outlook: Can Croskey-Merritt Be a Breakout Rookie?
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, one of the biggest storylines in Washington is what role Croskey-Merritt will play in the offense. His combination of:
- HBCU foundation at Alabama State
- Historic production at New Mexico
- Strong Shrine Bowl & combine performance
- Immediate training camp impact
…suggests he could be one of the NFL’s biggest rookie surprises in 2025.
Stay updated with Washington Commanders news.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s journey from an Alabama high school standout to HBCU star, to transferring across three schools, and finally landing with the Washington Commanders is a story of perseverance, resilience, and untapped potential.
As he enters his rookie season, all eyes will be on Jacory Croskey-Merritt Commanders running back as he enters his first NFL season. His rise represents hope for every underdog in the college football transfer portal era that NFL dreams are still within reach.