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# DeNeill packing punch for Merrimack football
- URL: https://www.nh-highschoolsports.com/deneill-packing-punch-for-merrimack-football/
- Published: 2015-08-24T13:00:26.000Z
- Updated: 2015-08-24T13:00:26.000Z
- Description: Physical isn't a word that would be used to describe many spread offenses.
- Author: Joe Marchilena
- Tags: Fall Sports, Division I, football, Merrimack, slider, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-08-18 04:44

Physical isn't a word that would be used to describe many spread offenses.

But often times a team that's used to picking yardage in big chunks needs a player who can get set the tone and excel in short-yardage situations.

Kip Jackson is looking for Tyler DeNeill to be that type of player for the Merrimack High School football team.

"He runs with low pad level and he likes contact and he's physical," Jackson said of the junior. "He has great instincts. There's some other stuff that he needs to fix, but he's a good kid. He has great hands. He's a phenomenal outfielder for the baseball team. He's just a good athlete."

DeNeill showed that desire for contact several times during Friday's scrimmage against Bishop Guertin, including a touchdown reception where he broke out of two tackles to get into the end zone.

While DeNeill still has room to improve, Jackson sees him playing a role on both sides of the ball much like a player the coach had when he was an assistant at Nashua South.

"I don't use his name a lot, and trust me, (DeNeill) is not at that level, but (David) Zocco was the same way in terms of being a free safety and in the backfield," Jackson said. "He was physical on both sides of the ball. It changes the tone for your entire team when you have somebody like that."

Jackson also likes what he's seen this preseason from junior quarterback Justin Grassini.

"He's getting more and more comfortable every day with the offense," Jackson said. "It's kind of like how not every wing-T offense is the same, not every spread offense is the same. He's starting to grasp the reads and I think it's working out. He has a great arm and you can't coach that."