Merriweather ‘Boiled’ over with Purdue

With several family members on hand to celebrate a special day, Bearden senior Jaheim Merriweather signed to play college football in the powerful Big Ten conference, with the Purdue Boilermakers, in the school’s main lobby during the first day of the latest National Signing Day period Wednesday, Dec. 20. A transfer from Gallatin High for his senior season with the Bulldogs in 2023, Merriweather rushed 60 times for 397 yards and four touchdowns before a lower leg-area injury ended his season carrying the football. Alongside his parents, Shereka James and Jonique Merriweather, Jaheim also is pictured with grandmothers Cynthia Love, far left, and Gloria James, far right. Brothers Tyrell Clark and Terrell Clark, and sisters Jasmine Croom, Carlyia James and Ryleigh James also were on hand, as was aunt, Jocelyn Smith, and cousins Michael Smith Jr. and LaMarion Womack.

Photo by Alan Sloan