2006: Started all 13 games and totaled 46 tackles, third-most among defensive linemen...ninth on the team in tackles on Clemson's top-16 total and scoring defense...had 10 tackles for loss, second-most on the team behind Gaines Adams...finished the season strong with at least four tackles in each of the last six contests...had 30 of his 46 tackles during the last six games...finished the season with five tackles along with a tackle for loss against Kentucky in the Music City Bowl.

2005: Won the 12th Man Award for the defense as a rookie. Played 271 snaps, fifth among Clemson freshmen and second among first-year freshmen...had his top game against #25 Boston College when he had six tackles, including five first hits, in a season-high 47 plays.

High School: Played tight end and defensive end at Fork Union Military Academy in 2004...had 38 catches for 647 yards and five touchdowns; added five sacks, 51 tackles, and eight pass breakups...team MVP at Fork Union... #20 tight end by Scout.com. He had 20 catches for 430 yards and four scores as a senior...totaled 34 tackles and four sacks as a senior...played in the Tennessee/Kentucky All-Star game...first-team all-state and all-region as a senior. Attended Calhoun High School in Saint Matthews, SC for three years...coached by former Gamecock, current Tiger assistant, and his uncle Chris Rumph in his first three years in high school...defensive MVP as a junior...all-conference, all-region, and all-area in basketball as a sophomore and junior...averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds on the hardwood...averaged 15 points and 13 rebounds as a junior...prep school teammate of Durrell Barry and Elsmore Gabriel...coached by J.C. Harmon at Fork Union...chose Clemson over Arkansas, Kentucky, Memphis, and South Carolina.

Personal: Born Phillip Blaine Merling on Aug. 19, 1985...majoring in sociology.