Mark Stoops complimentary of Graham Mertz

Mark Stoops had nothing but compliments for Florida quarterback Graham Mertz ahead of their showdown this weekend.

Prior to taking his talents to the Gators, Mertz was linked to the Wildcats via the transfer portal, before Kentucky landed Devin Leary as their quarterback. Speaking with the media prior to taking on Florida, Stoops praised Mertz’s performance thus far with the Gators.

“Graham’s been very, well first of all, he’s been very good with the football. I think they, they have every few turnovers in general. I want to say he only has one. He’s been very efficient,” explained Stoops. “Very smart. Getting rid of the football, and taking care of the ball. Running their offense.

“He’s been very efficient. He’s playing very well.”

Thus far in 2023, Mertz has accumulated 951 passing yards, four passing touchdowns and one interception. He’s led Florida to a 3-1 record, and he’ll be hoping to deliver the first loss of the season to Kentucky this weekend.

Mark Stoops may have a ton of respect for Graham Mertz, but he’ll be looking to beat him this weekend, and keep Kentucky undefeated moving forward.

Mark Stoops ‘hopeful’ Josh Kattus will play against Florida

Meanwhile, Josh Kattus hasn’t suited up for Kentucky since the first half of the Akron game during Week 3 after leaving the game with an undisclosed injury. He was in street clothes this past weekend against Vanderbilt, and now his status for Saturday’s matchup vs. Florida is up in the air.

Still, the Kentucky coach wouldn’t provide much of an in-depth update on his sophomore tight end. “I’m hopeful,” head coach Mark Stoops said about Kattus potentially returning during his weekly Monday press conference. 

Alongside Jordan Dingle and Brenden Bates, Kattus is one of three tight ends that have been utilized in Kentucky’s offense this season. Dingle has emerged as the more productive pass catcher over Bates while Kattus recovers, leading the tight end room with five catches for 105 yards, including a 59-yard reception against Akron. 

During his limited sample size this season, the former three-star recruit has caught two passes for 24 yards and a touchdown for the Wildcats this season. Even with his extended time away from the field, he remains the only Kentucky tight end with a touchdown reception during the Devin Leary era heading into Week 5.