Billy Napier reveals what the next step is in Graham Mertz's evolution

Graham Mertz is ready to take the next step in his quarterback evolution, according to Florida coach Billy Napier.

After proving his worth last Fall, Mertz’s evolution could lead Florida to more success in 2024. With a better supporting cast, things are looking up for the Gators.

But that preparation started right after the 2023 campaign concluded.

“Graham Mertz has had a phenomenal offseason, mentally, physically, emotionally, the leadership element,” Napier said. “I think he started in a different place in January. There’s a different level of confidence, and then his place on the team, you know, it’s his team, and he proved it on the field last year with how not only he produced, but also the way he competed, the toughness, the grit. So I think that that’s going to produce the next step.”

Napier made it clear you don’t have to wait until the regular season to see the progress of Mertz. He’s proving it as we speak.

“You know, I don’t necessarily think the next step is how he plays in the fall,” Napier said. “I think he’s been working on that next step, and that’ll prove to be what will get him here, is the work that he’s done up until this point, right? So I think we’re going to play better around him. I have confidence in tha, I think we’re a better group up front, I think we have an experience. 

“Tight End group that we didn’t have last year. And I think the receiving core, there’s a ton of competition in that room, and I think we’ll end up in a good place. So play better ‘round him, and then the work he’s done, going all the way back to January will provide that next step.”

Last season, his first at Florida, Mertz finished with 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns, three interceptions and a 72.9% completion percentage.

“Well, I think if you look at the season, you know, we go through everything in each offseason, I think we’re trying to get him to take advantage and be aggressive on some of the down the field opportunities,” Napier said. 

“And I think if you look at the film closely, there were some opportunities, right? So again, it goes back to the context, right? Graham’s issue was turning the ball over right? He had issues managing the game, those types of things. We cleaned that up. Now it’s time to kind of that tempered aggression. You know, take your chances when you get opportunities. So we’ve got the weapons to do it. And I think he’s in position to have a great year.”