Merrill inks contract with Green Bay Packers

[May 15, 2012]  GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Former Illinois State defensive back Otis Merrill took full advantage of his opportunity to work out for the Green Bay Packers at their rookie minicamp last weekend and signed a contract with the team Monday, as announced by Ted Thompson, executive vice president, general manager and director of football operations.

Merrill was one of five tryout players to sign contracts with the Packers following the team's rookie orientation camp this past weekend. Joining him on the roster are offensive tackle Shea Allard (Delaware), wide receiver Jarrett Boykin (Virginia Tech), guard Grant Cook (Arkansas) and wide receiver Curenski Gilleylen (Nebraska).

Merrill was a three-year letter winner for the Redbirds after transferring to Illinois State from Wisconsin prior to the 2009 season. The Cleveland, Ohio, native played in 32 of 33 games in his career at ISU and started in 15 contests at cornerback. In 2011, Merrill started all but one game for the Redbirds and was named an All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Second-Team selection. He finished his senior season with 41 tackles, broke up four passes, forced a fumble and recorded an interception.

He is the second Redbird to sign a professional contract Monday, joining teammate Brandon Venson, who signed a deal with the Chicago Bears following their rookie minicamp. They become the fifth and sixth Redbird players, respectively, to join NFL rosters, along with Cody White (Houston Texans), Laurént Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars), Tom Nelson (Philadelphia Eagles) and Chris Riley (Cincinnati Bengals).

[Text from news release received from Michael Williams, Illinois State University]