With Spring football officially underway, all eyes will be on the quarterback room as the Gators have a new face in Graham Mertz taking first-team reps at the position.
The Wisconsin transfer has embraced the challenge of picking up a new playbook, with new coaches, and new teammates.
“I’ve been impressed with Graham’s work ethic,” head coach Billy Napier said following Florida’s first spring practice. “I think he’s done a good job. He’s got a really good grasp of the system.”
Napier isn’t the only one noticing Mertz’s drive to succeed.
“Graham Mertz puts a lot of work in, he’s in this building every single day, like 24 hours, I never see him leave,” redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Austin Barber said on the new Gators QB. “When I leave his car is still here, when I get here, his car is here. I’m happy he’s putting the work in.”
Redshirt sophomore QB Jack Miller split first team reps with Mertz during the media portion of Florida’s first spring practice.
“Jack’s benefiting from being in his second year,” Napier said on Miller.
Austin Barber says Miller is working just as hard as Mertz.
“I’m excited for Jack Miller too,” Barber said. “You saw how he came in and played in the bowl game, just his first start, you know what I mean. He looks good, he’s been putting the work in just as much. I’m excited for this competition.”
Redshirt freshman Max Brown took reps with the third team on Saturday, looking physically stronger than he did a year ago.
“Max is obviously in Year 2 as well. Most importantly, just the example there, working hard to connect with the rest of the team,” Napier said on Brown.
There were some inconsistences from the QB play during the first spring practice, but Napier is set on improving his group of quarterbacks.
“I’m excited about that group and certainly some good and bad out there, like you would expect the first day, but overall, really looking forward to that group and the progress that they can make,” Napier said on his the QB room.
“I see really a group that wants to please,” Napier said. “I think I see a group that’s working really hard.
Gator Country will continue to monitor the Gators’ QB room, providing insight on the position as we progress further into Spring football.