You guys make some very good points. I, for one, am willing to give Wertz the benefit of the doubt. Regardless, it looks like it is Wertz or bust for 23...and probably 24.
What is the obvious difference there? SEC defenses > Pac12 defenses by a large margin. When Oregon played teams with better defenses, he looked a lot like the Bo Nix that Auburn fans knew and didn't love. Oregon played 4 teams with defenses in the top 60 and their results were 1-3 in those games.
Any idea how he performed at the Elite 11 camps? I can't imagine they play a real high level of HS football in Kansas. I hope that the first couple of years at Wisky were just growing pains and the light comes on for him now...but he has to learn a whole new offense and will be on his 4th O-Coordinator in 2023.
I came across this in "The Buckeye" referring to the elite 11 finals... Early on, it appears Mertz has impressed those in attendance. SB Nation’s Bud Elliott commented on Friday that the Kansas prep quarterback “looks damn good”at the event. Greg Biggins from 247Sports listed him as the No. 3 performer from Friday, noting the Badger commit “has a college body right now, a smooth easy release, and one of the biggest arms in the event.” Many have seen the four-star quarterback’s rise nationally with his tweets noting offers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Alabama, Clemson and over a dozen other Power Five programs since verbally pledging to Wisconsin back last fall. There was also this from the Notre Dame site... Mertz’ performance comes as little surprise. He’s one of the nation’s most polished passers and a big-time talent. It was on display back in January at the All-American Bowl Underclassmen Combine when we at Irish Illustrated referred to Mertz as a future “difference-maker” at the collegiate level.
No idea about his high school camps. He had to do well to get the offer list he received. Some real QB schools in there. Plus, I'm sure with his 247 composite being so high, any easier level of HS play was taken into account. I agree about him having to learn a whole new offense and also hope the light comes on quickly. He'll have spring and fall campss though. Edit: Thanks @lizardbreath
I kept saying the pac 12 sucks before we beat Utah game one. We were almost the worst sec team and tgem the best pac 12.
Don't know how many have seen him throw...this was my first look. I will say he has his moments of throwing well.
I'm a wait and see supporter of Mertz and believe a change could do him wonders however from an objective perspective, QB generally isn't about the throws that you make as much as the mistakes you make or don't make. So many examples to choose from but our own Doug Johnson or even Terry Dean were prime examples of that. I'd throw in AR but he struggled to make short to intermediate throws although he could make the spectacular throws in between. At least the other two examples had a little more even skill set although still struggled with turnovers.
With California Dreamer Rashada flipping and flopping right through signing day like a dying catfish, we probably ended up with the best available when Napier had to reset at T+2 weeks. No one is saying we're in a great position, but, I'm not sure what Napier could have done differently when Rashada put us in the position he did. I will root for Mertz or Miller, even if they turn out to be something along the lines of a Luke Del Rio. Go Gators.
I thought Del Rio was more than adequate just incredibly injury prone. Never understood the knock on him. I think we would have done much better if he could have stayed healthy
Most of those are 3rd and long situations and almost no play action on the others. Nice touch on his throws. I’ve also seen clips on his interceptions as well. Tries to make stuff happen too much when he should just let it go and live for another set of downs. Hopefully the change will do him some good.
