Billy Napier shouts out Graham Mertz for clutch plays against South Carolina

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz got off to a rough start this season. However, the Wisconsin transfer is now thriving and was a big reason why the Gators beat South Carolina on Saturday.

Mertz threw for 423 yards and three touchdowns against the Gamecocks to lead Florida to a 41-39 win.

After the game, Florida coach Billy Napier shared why he is so proud of his junior quarterback.

“Some unbelievable plays in the game. Graham Mertz in particular, you can’t help but respect the competitive spirit of the kid, the toughness, the decision making,” Napier said. “I just thought he was fantastic. Never flinched.”

Mertz struggled at times in the opener against Utah in Week 1, but he has been outstanding for the most part since.

He has now completed 76 percent of his passes for 1,897 yards and 12 touchdowns on the year.

Billy Napier loves the improvement he has seen from his QB since he arrived on campus.

“I get to be around the guy every day. I know how much the guy’s worked, going all the way back to the very beginning of the process. This is a young man that came here on a mission and had a plan. He’s a product of his work,” Napier said.

“For him to operate the way he does in our system in the first year, the level of comprehension, the high level of decision making that’s happening out there. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with the kid.”

It helps that Florida has had several players step up around Mertz as of late. The offensive line has started to settle in, and receiving threats are playing better, too.

Ricky Pearsall in particular has emerged as one of the top receivers in the SEC. The senior had 10 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown against South Carolina.

“We’re starting to play better around him. We’re starting to play better up front,” Napier said. “Our freshmen tight ends are growing up. We’re getting some play from some receivers. And I think ultimately we’re capable. We can score.”

Florida won, despite falling behind by 10 points with less than 10 minutes remaining.

The Gators went on to score two touchdowns in the final five minutes as Mertz made clutch play after clutch play, despite taking some tough hits.

“He made plays on schedule, and he made some plays off schedule,” Napier said. “I think that’s probably the most impressive thing about him.”