 |
|
 | Class:
Senior
|
| Hometown:
Antelope, Calif.
|
| High School:
Oakmont
|
|
| Last College:
Orange Coast JC
|
| Height / Weight:
6-7 / 245
|
| Position:
Tight End
|
|
|
|
|
Was a steady player for the Hurricanes in his final season in Coral Gables . . . Former junior college transfer who is an excellent blocker and effective pass receiver . . . Produced some of the team's biggest catches during the 2000 season . . . Recovered from a pair of shoulder surgeries to produce a solid season . . . Is an accomplished volleyball player (two-man variety in his native California) and has worked as an actor, stand-up comic and fashion model.
2000 (SENIOR): Was awarded the co-winner of the Jessie Armstead Comeback Player of the Year Award by the UM coaching staff for his performance this season . . . Shared the award with running back Najeh Davenport . . . Made important catches in two of Miami's biggest wins (vs. Florida State and Virginia Tech) . . . Was one of eight Miami players to record double-digit receptions for the year, catching 10 balls for 125 yards (12.5 avg.) and a touchdown . . . Caught two passes for 33 yards vs. McNeese State . . . Had two catches for 11 yards at Washington . . . Caught one pass for four yards at West Virginia . . . Had two catches for 43 yards in the 27-24 win over top-ranked Florida State, including a huge 31-yard play that set up a Miami touchdown . . . That 31-yarder is the longest catch of Mercer's UM career . . . Caught two passes for 26 yards against Pittsburgh, including a 12-yard touchdown grab . . . Had one catch for eight yards against Boston College.
1999 (JUNIOR): Played in nine games as a back-up to All-American Bubba Franks...recording five catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns...recorded one catch for 21 yards against Florida A&M... registered a season-high three catches for 31 yards and a touchdown against Rutgers...recorded a nine yard touchdown reception in the Hurricanes' regular season finale against Temple.
JUNIOR COLLEGE: Orange Coast (Costa Mesa, CA)...Named to Max Emfinger's Top 100 JUCO's...two-time first-team All-Mission Conference selection...selected the team's Most Valuable Receiver both seasons... team captain...first-team All-State selection by the Los Angeles Times and honorable mention JC All-America after catching 55 passes for 813 yards and six touchdowns last season...selected to play in the national Junior College All-Star game in Minnesota but did not attend...recorded 32 catches for 511 yards and three touchdowns his first season... also played on the Orange Coast Volleyball team where he was a second-team All-State selection as a middle blocker...coached in football by Bill Workman.
HIGH SCHOOL: Oakmont...first-team All-Conference selection at wide receiver after pulling in 33 catches for 533 yards and six touchdowns... also played safety, outside linebacker and defensive end...also lettered in basketball and track...first-team All-Conference selection in basketball as a senior after averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks per game...was the conference high jump and 100-hurdles champion as a sophomore and junior...recorded personal bests of 6-6 in the high jump and 14.7 in the 100-hurdles...also played volleyball where he took third place in the two-man volleyball competition at the 1993 Junior Olympic games...honor roll student all through high school... won the bronze medal for academics as well as teacher awards for both English and Physics his senior year...coached in football by Bob Vukajlovich.
PERSONAL: Born 9/19/76...marketing major...full name is Ivan Walter Mercer...hobbies include acting and stand up comedy...appeared as a model in the Abercrombie & Fitch catalog...selected UM over Ohio State, Tennessee and Texas A&M...son of Scott and Mary Jane Mercer.
MERCER'S CAREER STATISTICS
| Year | G-S | Rec | Yds | Avg | TD | Lg |
| 2000 | 11-9 | 10 | 125 | 12.5 | 1 | 31 |
| 1999 | 9-0 | 5 | 61 | 12.2 | 2 | 21 |
| Totals | 20-9 | 15 | 186 | 12.4 | 3 | 31 |
