Article: “It’s already second nature at this point”: Graham Mertz Poised To Lead Team In 2024

Good stuff. I'd love to see him ramp it up another notch. A huge surprise last year, he was very dependable, and we're very fortunate to have him. We, IMHO, have three very good QB's. I hope Napier has some nice packages ready for DJ.

Year three. Coming to a Swamp near you...

Go Gators.

 

If Mertz has command of the offense, he should be allowed to be 100% in control and allowed to run it. He should not ever be pulled from a game to give Lagway pre determined plays or series.
Mertz has given his all for the Gators, let him rack up the yards and wins and get a chance to earn as many post season awards as possible.

The more he is pulled from games could effect his draft stock.
Lagway will have his day in the limelight next year.

 

Almost every thing you state there is polar opposite of team concept. Mertz is a team oriented kind of guy and I’m sure his focus is on more than his numbers.
If you were being facetious I apologize.

 

I can't argue with your logic, and if we need Lagway to come in and help towards the end of the year, he can still do so if we need him. But that's only if we're planning to red-shirt him, which I don't really agree with.

So... that's the dilemma. Do we play Lagway here and there... getting him ready for next year, or do we go full on with Mertz all game long and save Lagway's eligibility? That would leave him with NO experience going into his first starting season in the Gators' offence, but with four full years to get right.

I believe that we should put some packages in there for Lagway, in every game, and burn his red-shirt so that he can play as much as possible this year. But I never want to see Lagway taking away too much from Mertz's need to get style points (good QB stats) ... for the NFL scouts to see on film. I'm sure Napier is well aware of this whole situation, and has gone over it with both Mertz and Lagway by now.

 

I'm all for getting Lagway in the game in the 4th qtr if the game is in our favor by 2 scores.

What I would not like to see is Mertz driving down field and than getting pulled out on 2nd and 6th just to see if Lagway can get the first down.

 

Not being facetious. Teams with good QBs don't pull the starter just to get reps for the backup in the middle of the game.Did UGA pull Beck, LSU pull Daniels, Texas pull Ewers?

 

Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer say hello.

 

Completely different offense and you know that.

 

Did Meyer pull Leak in certain spots in important games to take advantage of his freshman QB’s unique set of skills? That worked out pretty good as I recall.

 

See post 9. This offense isn't 2006.
This is an every down counts offense.

 

Billy is going to do whatever he feels he needs to do to win football games, period.

If it is 1st and goal at the 3 or 4 yard line, and you have a 5 star 240 lb dual threat QB standing next to you, it would make it real hard not to put him for a play during that series.

 

I think Lagway can run the read option a lot better than Mertz. I’m all for making the defense practice against multiple QBs because it gives them more to worry about.

I usually agree with you, but I think you’re off here. Obviously it has to be a feel for the flow of the game. We aren’t going to run Lagway out there when Mertz is on fire. But we do need to get Lagway some game experience as he’s one play from being the starter.

 

Did we beat Miami yet? Man...

I hope with our new receiver group we can create some of the Meyer era first down stuff. When needed a first down, we simply got it. Particularly with DJ, once he gets up to speed and starts getting used. But Mertz has some good hands to throw to-decent backs too.

It sure seems like there's a new confidence level amongst the team, and this new trainer appears to have his finger on the pulse.

A week and a half out and I've never felt more anticipation and excitement.

GO GATORS!

 

I'll make the prediction now. Napier is going to have scripted plays for Lagway. He is going to play him no matter how on fire Mertz is. And it will cost the team a series and possibly points if not at least one game this season. There is just too much pressure on him not to do it.

 

I’d be surprised if Lagway plays against Miami.

 

Not me.

 

However Billy decides to use DJ in certain situations, it will most likely be 80-90% effective with his unique skill set or he would not put him out there.

 

Remains to be seen really.

 

A 240 lb dual threat QB opens up the defense and adds a blocker and really stresses the defense in short yarded situations. Billy is constantly evaluating every play, so if it is not being effective he will stop using him, and it has to appear to be effective at least in practice before any attempt in a game.