UF QB Graham Mertz poised for Year 2 leap with Gators
GAINESVILLE — Everything was new to Florida quarterback Graham Mertz a year ago — new team, new town and new tests ahead.
Mertz navigated the trials and tribulations of 2023 better than expected after he transferred from Wisconsin. He now hopes to build on what he learned and achieved while elevating his game and the Gators.
A season after quarterbacks Jayden Daniels (LSU), Bo Nix (Oregon) and Michael Penix (Washington) starred as second-year transfers, Mertz is positioned for his own Year 2 leap.
“Everybody’s journey is unique,” he said Tuesday. “I just want to win. That’s why I came back.”
Mertz’s evolution will be key to Florida reversing its fortunes following a 5-7 season.
In 2023, he was highly efficient yet rarely explosive.
Mertz’s SEC-leading 72.9% completion rate and 20-to-3 touchdown-to-interception totals followed three erratic seasons at Wisconsin. But during his 11 starts, the Gators averaged just 3.4 completions of at least 20 yards, below their stated goal.
“I’ve always talked about five big plus-plays of 20 yards,” receivers coach Billy Gonzales said. “If we can, we’re going to put ourselves in a really good [position] to be successful.”
Mertz’s downfield accuracy has at times been suspect. He also cannot stretch the field alone.
The play call, protection and route running also must line up.
“Everything’s got to be clicking on great plays,” Gonzales said.
This spring, Mertz has pushed to get on the same page with effectively a new cast of players while reuniting with a blast from the past.
Wisconsin transfer Chimere Dike should help Mertz adapt to the massive loss of leading receiver Ricky Pearsall to the NFL. Like Pearsall, the 6-foot-¼, 195-pound Dike is a disciplined route-runner with deceptive speed, sure hands and a mental connection with Mertz.
In 2022 with Mertz, Dike totaled 47 catches for 689 yards and 6 scores.
“That continuity between you and a quarterback — those repetitions are built over time,” Gonzales said. “They’ve kind of hooked up and they got that rhythm back right now.”
Among returners, Eugene Wilson III is poised to go from freshman phenom to sophomore star while 6-foot-3, 215-pound redshirt junior Khaleil Jackson and 6-foot-3½, 218-pound fifth-year senior Ja’Quavion Fraziars seek to capitalize on their size and experience.
Gonzales, who coached Gators legend Percy Harvin under Urban Meyer, is giddy about Wilson’s big-play potential and overall evolution.
“He’s catching that ball and it’s out the gate,” Gonzales said. “He’s tough, he’s finishing, he’s becoming a really good blocker. I’m fired up.”
Gonzales’ excitement extends to his unproven pass-catchers, including two with speed to burn. Who would win a 40-yard dash between sophomore Aidan Mizell of Orlando and true freshman Tank Hawkins of IMG Academy in Bradenton was among many topics Tuesday.
“They have not [raced],” Gonzales said. “That’s a good one to see, though.”
The Gators must see better play up front for the offense to open up and attack defenses. UF allowed 39 sacks 2023, including 31 of Mertz.
Coach Billy Napier said he’s seen improvement from an overhauled offensive line featuring some serious size on the edges, even with 6-foot-6 incumbent left tackle Austin Barber (shoulder) and 6-foot-8 Kamryn Waites (calf) sidelined.
Brandon Crenshaw Dixon, a 6-foot-7 San Diego State transfer with 37 starts, and 6-foot-7 Devin Manuel of Arkansas are joined by 6-foot-8 true freshman Fletcher Westphal, the team’s top O-line recruit in 2024.
“The pocket’s been cleaner,” Napier said. “That’s one of the bright spots. The length on the edge has just been the major difference-maker.”
Mertz, 23, aims to bring all the pieces together and make his return a winning move.
“When you spend six years in college, you’ve seen every pressure, every front, every look on defense,” he said. “So it really frees you up to branch out to your guys and lead.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com