Mertz and another yet to be named PQ will have a competition. Merts will start. Either brown or miller will transfer and Rashada will hit the playbook and weights and buffet.
He's an inch taller and weighs 40 pounds less than Richardson. He only had 25 carries for 196 yards his junior year. The only fair comparison to Richardson would be his arm strength. He's athletic but by no means a dual threat QB. Watch his clips. https://www.hudl.com/profile/6466462/Jaden-Rashada
Neither yet - Rashada needs to add to that 180 pound frame first or he’ll get killed back there like Blackmon was a few years back. We need to be smart with that kid
I'm hoping there's something we're not aware of- like another transfer QB lurking in the wings. Then Rashada can develop at the speed required. I'm not sure the fanbase can survive another year like this one. I don't see much change in our record without a better QB option. I suppose I could cut Mertz a bit more slack... Devine intervention is always possible. Go Gators.
Feel like we'd be better off hoping for Miller to show something then hanging our hats on Mertz who seems to have a turnover issue. If he turned it over that much as a badger imagine what SEC competition would look like. Best thing would be Miller to show that he has what it takes and let Rashada develop over time and not throw him to the wolves, unless he just flat out beats everyone in camp. May the best QB win!
I'm not as scared of true freshman QB's starting anymore. The kids are much smarter these days and have a lot of opportunity to become physically and mentally prepared to compete. It all boils down to the individual. Are they willing to do the work and learn the minute they show up in January?
Let's be real though, we go from an ultra upside QB in Richardson who seemingly couldn't hit the side of a barn half the time at 10 yards, to a QB who either has only one game under his belt, or on with three years experience with three different OC's, or one fresh put of high school.... It's not like Richardson set the bar very high, for all of his upside potential. Give me a 2 star Trask clone and I will be happy.
Without a doubt. There is nothing better than an elite nutrition and strength and conditioning program to make that happen. He'll have that opportunity too.
If Miller is starting we are in trouble. He has little pocket presence and was about as inconsistent as AR. YES, it was only one game but he will never be faster or clever on the run. I hope Mertz surprises and that Rashada or Brown get up to speed quickly. Gonna be interesting to see how far "culture" takes us with a young team.
The cool thing about this class-regardless of the QB position(and that may change) Napier has assembled a class that consists of 80% Blue Chippers. That's a pretty stellar assemblage any way you look at it. I'd call that a huge win. More will be revealed. Go Gators
I think Rashad will get a chance in the Missouri game next year. After losing to LSU, We will probably be 4-6. The noise will be too much.
Hayes is usually about as competent a writer as AR was a QB, but I think he is on target with this analysis.
A bad first third of the year would be 2-2....anything worse and the natives will be howling. To get to 6-6 we would have to go 4-4 over the final 8. We will have to win 4 of 6 against Arky, USC, KY, Mizzou, Vandy, or FSU. Doubtful we will be able to beat UGa or LSU next year.
