Billy Napier has 'been impressed' by Graham Mertz

There’s been plenty of chatter about the previous Florida quarterback as we get ever closer to the NFL Draft. Even so, the next potential Gator QB in Graham Mertz is making all the right noise as well heading into his first season in Gainesville with no one singing his praises louder than Billy Napier.

During a spring press conference, Napier applauded the impact Mertz has already made on his new program. He’s exemplifying a ‘professional’ approach to everyone in their building considering how he’s going about his business. In doing so, Napier says his evident experience is rubbing off on every person involved with the Gators.

“I’ve been impressed with Graham,” Napier said. “I think Graham’s made a great impression on all parts of the organization. And I certainly think on his teammates as well.”

“He’s been very diligent from the first day. Really aggressive, oftentimes doing two a days. He’s in the building a majority of the day,” continued Napier “Just really a professional approach. Very self-aware, there’s some experience there. I think the guy’s a really good communicator and he’s got a great grasp of what’s happening out there. It’s very evident that the guy has started 32 games at a really good program.”

Mertz comes to The Swamp as a former four-star and top-five quarterback prospect in 2019 according to On3’s Industry Rankings. As a three-year starter at Wisconsin, he then went on to throw 5,332 yards on a 59.3% completion rate in that time. That led to 38 touchdowns and a 19-13 record for the Badgers.

After arriving in Gainesville via the transfer portal this offseason, Mertz is now battling to become the next QB1 in Napier’s second season. With the impression he’s made early on, though, he’s become a name that’s earned a ton of respect already, specifically from his staff.

“We’re excited about Graham, what he’s done so far, and what he’s capable of doing in the future,” Napier said.

Napier compares Mertz’s mentality to an NFL veteran

The Graham Mertz addition at Florida was like acquiring an NFL free-agent quarterback, according to head coach Billy Napier.

After spending the first part of his college career at Wisconsin, Mertz opted to leave the Big Ten for down south with the Gators. But he’ll have to compete with Jack Miller, a former Ohio State quarterback who spent last season learning under Napier.

But Napier didn’t shy away from expectations and the abilities he saw in Mertz so far.

“Yeah, well Graham’s in competition for the job,” Napier said. “You know, I think Graham’s been impressive. He’s an experienced player, he’s comfortable. He started 32 games at a really established program with high expectations. And there’s no price you can put on that. I will tell you that his approach since the first day he’s been here is what you would want from a quarterback. 

“It’s almost as if you’re acquiring a free agent in the national football league, that’s an experienced veteran player and he’s learning a new system. His approach has been what you would want. So you know he’s off to a good start and certainly we hope he continues that way, the effort and the physicality.”