BRANDON MERIWEATHER

'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"^[1], "Hit-em-up", and "B-Ware"^[2].

Contents

High school years

University of Miami career

University of Miami controversies

Shooting incident

Miami FIU Brawl

New England Patriots

Personal

Trivia

References

External links

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.

University of Miami 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 3 total tackles before injuring his ankle. He was given a medical redshirt by the NCAA per guidelines.
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), 1 interception and 5 pass break-ups.
Meriweather played in all 12 games of the season but only started 7 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 of America (FWAA) and was also selected second-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 breakups, one sack, one fumble recovery and 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 a team-high 91 tackles, one sack, 8 pass breakups and 1 interception. Meriweather left Miami with the record of most tackles by a defensive back with 293^[3].
Meriweather was invited to the Senior Bowl at the end of the season where he improved his draft stock at the practices and the game^[4].

University of Miami controversies

Shooting 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 wasn't charged due to the fact his gun was owned legally^[5].

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^[6]. It is believed that his actions during the brawl and the shooting incident may have caused his draft stock to slip^[7].

New England Patriots

Meriweather was selected as the 24th overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.

Personal

Meriweather's mother gave birth to him when she was 13 years old. Meriweather started living with his adopted parents at age 11^[2].

Trivia

★ The biological son of Meriweather's adoptive parents is also named Brandon (Bridges)^[2]

★ During his sophomore year, Meriweather was teased relentlessly for being run over by West Virginia's Quincy Wilson on national television. In practice, he ended the teasing by drilling teammate and tight end Kellen Winslow II^[2]

★ At the time he was drafted by the Patriots, Meriweather drove a 1992 Toyota Camry with 270,000 miles on it.^[2]

References

1. Hanging with "The Hit Stick" The Miami Hurricane. Accessed 18 July 2007.
2. Branded unjustly? The Boston Globe. Accessed 18 July 2007.
3. Pats could focus on defense in draft SeacoastOnline.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.
4. On the Clock: S Meriweather 49ers.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.
5. Miami safety Cooper shot, teammate returns fire ESPN.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.
6. Miami, FIU have 31 suspended for role in brawl ESPN.com. Accessed 18 July 2007.
7. Interview with Meriweather The Star Ledger. Accessed 18 July 2007.
8. Branded unjustly? The Boston Globe. Accessed 18 July 2007.
9. Branded unjustly? The Boston Globe. Accessed 18 July 2007.
10. Branded unjustly? The Boston Globe. Accessed 18 July 2007.
11. Branded unjustly? The Boston Globe. Accessed 18 July 2007.

External links

★ Brandon Meriweather biography.