Brandon Meriweather

Infobox NFLactive


currentteam=New England Patriots
currentnumber=31
currentpositionplain=Safety
birthdate=birth date and age|1984|1|14
birthplace=Apopka, Florida
heightft=5
heightin=11
weight=200
debutyear=2007
debutteam=New England Patriots
college=University of Miami
draftyear=2007
draftround=1
draftpick=24
pastteams=
* New England Patriots (2007-present)
statweek=4
statseason=2008
statlabel1=Tackles
statvalue1=39
statlabel2=Sacks
statvalue2=0.0
statlabel3=INTs
statvalue3=1
nfl=MER280467

Brandon Meriweather (born January 14, 1984 in Apopka, Florida) is an American football safety for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He attended the University of Miami.

At Miami, Meriweather's hard-hitting earned him the nickname "The Hit Stick" [ [http://media.www.thehurricaneonline.com/media/storage/paper479/news/2005/10/21/Sports/Hanging.With.the.Hit.Stick-1029264.shtml Hanging with "The Hit Stick"] The Miami Hurricane. Accessed 18 July 2007.] , "Hit-em-up", and "B-Ware" [http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/05/11/branded_unjustly/?page=full Branded unjustly?] The Boston Globe. Accessed 18 July 2007.] .

High school years

Meriweather attended Apopka High School in Apopka, Florida where he helped lead his school to the Florida Class 6A state championship as a senior in 2001. He starred as a kick returner, returning four kicks for touchdowns as a senior. He also lettered in track and basketball.

College career

Meriweather went on to play collegiate football at the University of Miami, one of the premier collegiate football programs in the nation. In 2002, Meriweather played in three games and had three total tackles before injuring his ankle. Per guidelines, he was given a medical redshirt by the NCAA.

In 2003, Meriweather played the majority of the season on special teams and in different nickel and dime packages. He got his first start against West Virginia as a nickel back. He finished the year with 22 tackles (14 solo), one interception and five pass break-ups.

Meriweather played in all 12 games of the season but only started seven because of a nagging shoulder injury in 2004. He contributed 62 tackles (29 solo), a half sack, two forced fumbles, five pass break-ups and two interceptions. He received the team's 2004 Hard Hitter Award.

Meriweather was named to the ABC Sports/Cingular All-America team as voted by the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) and was also selected first-team All-ACC in 2005. He was also a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award. He led the team with a career-high 115 tackles (77 solo), seven pass break-ups, one sack, one fumble recovery, two forced fumbles and three interceptions. He received the team's Hard Hitter Award for the second straight season.

Meriweather was a member of the 2006 50th Anniversary "Playboy" Preseason All-America Team and was also on the Thorpe Award watch list. He had many duties during the Hurricanes' 7-6 season, playing safety and cornerback. He also spent time in slot and nickel defenses. Through 12 games, Meriweather registered 91 tackles, one sack, eight pass break-ups and one interception. He was also a semi-finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, he also was voted first-team All-ACC and All-American. He left Miami with the record for most tackles by a defensive back with 293 [ [http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070426/SPORTS/704260422/-1/SPORTS Pats could focus on defense in draft] SeacoastOnline.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.] .

Meriweather was invited to the Senior Bowl at the end of the season where he improved his draft stock during practices and the game [ [http://49ers.com/pressbox/news_detail.php?PRKey=2947&section=PR%20News On the Clock: S Meriweather] 49ers.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.] .

University of Miami controversies

hooting incident

On July 21, 2006 Meriweather was involved in a shooting incident when teammate Willie Cooper was shot in the buttocks. Meriweather returned fire and shot at the unidentified shooter three times. Meriweather was not charged with a crime due to the fact that his gun was owned legally. [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2526104 Miami safety Cooper shot, teammate returns fire] ESPN.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.]

Miami-FIU Brawl

During the infamous Miami-FIU brawl, Meriweather was clearly seen stomping repeatedly on several Florida International players on the ground. Meriweather was ultimately suspended by the ACC and Miami for his role in the brawl [ [http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2627372 Miami, FIU have 31 suspended for role in brawl] ESPN.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.] . It is believed that his actions during the brawl and the shooting incident may have caused his draft stock to slip. [ [http://blog.nj.com/ledgergiants/2007/04/interview_with_meriweather.html Interview with Meriweather] The Star Ledger. Accessed 18 July 2007.]

Professional career

Meriweather was selected in the first round (24th overall) of the 2007 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. He played his rookie season starting on special teams, he recorded 28 tackles his rookie year.

Meriweather made his first career INT vs the Jets on September 14th, 2008, picking off future Hall Of Famer Brett Favre.

Personal

Meriweather's mother gave birth to him when she was 13 years old. Meriweather started living with his adopted parents at age 11 [http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2007/05/11/branded_unjustly/?page=full Branded unjustly?] The Boston Globe. Accessed 18 July 2007.] .

He majored in Criminology and minored in Sociology at the University of Miami.

References

External links

* [http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/meriweather_brandon00.html Miami Hurricanes bio]