SI Article: Graham Mertz Has 'True Confidence' Within Billy Napier's Gators Offense

"Just playing good football," he said when asked about the message for his needed improvement. "Eliminate turnovers. Really, just the biggest thing was knowing your rules and working through them. His offense is so well put together that like he's seen it all, basically. And he always has an answer. I mean, he's a freaking technician when it comes to that.

"For us, it's really just sticking to the script, knowing your rules, knowing your checks and he's putting a little more checks on our plate, which is I love that because that's the system I came from. Having 2-3 play calls in one and then your checking, killing. So, it's a really good offense."

Maybe the other guy didn't have it between the ears to grasp "sticking to the script" or didn't understand the script to begin with.

 

I guess we will find out in six months.

 

Five?

 

I'm cautiously optimistic with our QB's. Mertz could be the real deal, and I hope and pray he is. But...I think the new hero of Florida football is still currently in high school. Which means the glory days might be off in the distance a bit.

Napier is creating a great system and culture, and along with that he's assembled a brilliant staff and has recruited some fabulous players. If Mertz can get us two, maybe three more wins this year, that'd be huge. At this juncture, that would be a huge turnaround. The win loss record for Florida ball has been stuck in the quagmire of mediocrity. Last coach, new coach, rebuild...easy to see the cause and effect.

But make no mistake about it, the shift is noticeable. The kids are different and there will be some players stepping up this year big time. Some are obvious, others will surprise us.

I hope this is the year Mertz can really make a name for himself. If he can right the ship it'll be huge. He certainly can't suck with all the positive praise getting heaped on.

The stadium rocked last year. The fans did their part. With a bit more consistency, some of these close games will end up "W"'s for the good guys. A big upset would be nice too. We'll see...

Go Gators.

 

It would really be nice if Mertz is still on the team Lagway’s freshman year. That’s cutting it thin though - would be nice if Lagway didn’t have to play as a true freshman

 

It would be great if Lagway played his freshman year but only if and when he is ready. It would be really nice if Mertz does well and let’s him ease into his roll like Leak did for Tebow.Tebow won the heisman as a true sophomore. Many of the good qbs are taking over as rs freshmen. Timmy has extensive playing time as a freshman but wasn’t forced to do more. I’m hoping Mertz is at least good enough to play, it’s doubtful he is nearly as good as Leak. I don’t buying into playing a guy too fast and ruining their confidence too much. I believe you just find out the inevitable sooner. Development takes time but I believe we see that potential right off the bat.

 

Yeah my point was that it would be nice if Lagway doesn’t have to play as a true freshman. If Mertz doesn’t pan out, or has a solid year and goes for the draft, Miller and Brown are going to have to step up. To me those two are total unknowns at this point. But that’s our QB room until Lagway is ready

 

I think Napier has said we will be on the market after spring for another qb. If someone doesn’t step up, there’s always another transfer next year.

 

B,b,b, but Brown is playing baseball.

 

That’s real good to hear

 

Napier also said in his presser that Mertz is competing for the job. But maybe that’s just coach speak

 

Setting my expectations for 6 wins and anything over will be fantastic. Until I see a winning product on the field, I'm not getting my hopes up like years past. Hope Mertz can shine and finish off his college career on a high note.

 

Is he? Haven't seen him anywhere.

 

No, hasn’t been with the baseball team since the season started, and spring football practice started.

 

Mertz will be the starter. Napier doesn’t want to take a chance of a repeat of the bowl game against Utah. That would be a disaster.

 

He’s in the dugout tonight, but he was with the football team for spring practice. First time I’ve seen him with the team since the season started. Guess since football is over for now, he can go hang out with the baseball team. My original post was just a joke poking fun at the guy who went on and on about how he doesn’t count as a football player anymore because he was working out with the baseball team.