Merchant initially split duties with Stevenson Bone, but eventually won the starting quarterback job and led the Purple and White to the Yates Cup Final. There, the Mustangs lost in heartbreaking fashion to the Laurier Golden Hawks in a stunning fourth quarter collapse.

Back at QB this season, the Calgary native is ready to lead the ‘Stangs to another deep playoff push.

Merchant talks about his early life, balancing school and athletics, and what it’s like to hold the most high-pressure position on the football team.