Billy Napier compares Graham Mertz’s mentality to 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.”

After four years at Wisconsin, Mertz can really take off in Year 5. Last year, Mertz finally showed more moxie in the passing game.

In his final season with the Badgers, Mertz had 2,136 yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 57.3% completion percentage.

“People always say competition is going against people, but I think that we’re pushing each other to be better,” Mertz said. “And that’s one thing that I appreciate, the time that he’s helped me out on just little playbook things that he kind of took in when he was learning it. So, our goal is to make this team as good as it can be.

“And we’re pushing each other each day to do that, so I’ve loved everything that he’s done. Everything that we do every day. We work together every day for hours. So, we’re doing it together and we’re doing it for this team. I think that people always make these to be against each other, but it’s the furthest thing from that.”

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As a member of the Class of 2019, Mertz was a four-star recruit out of Mission (Kan.) Blue Valley North, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 1 overall prospect in the state, the No. 4 quarterback in the class and the No. 57 overall prospect in the class.