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Graham Mertz named GatorMade Man of the Year

On3 imageby:Keith Niebuhr•12/31/24•

On3Keith

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Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz always was a great teammate when he was healthy. And that didn’t change when he was lost for the season with a knee injury.

Tuesday, Florida named the senior GatorMade’s Danny Wuerffel Man of the Year. The award goes to the Gators player who demonstrates the commitment and values that best represent the football program. Wuerffel, the player for whom the award is named, led Florida to the 1996 national title and won the Heisman Trophy that season. But he also was known for being a humble and helpful teammate.

“Graham is one of the more impressive young men I’ve ever been around. One of my favorite players to coach,” Florida Gators Billy Napier said in a video tribute to Mertz. “I respect the example. I respect the way he kind of sets the standard for the entire organization. I’ve seen him grow. I think ultimately, he found his voice as a leader. He found that place as a competitor.”

Mertz transferred to Florida during the offseason prior to the 2023 season from Wisconsin, where he had an up-and-down career. With the Gators, Mertz raised him game.

He led the SEC in 2023 in completion percentage (72.9%) and fewest interceptions (3), all of which were tipped passes, while setting career highs for passing yards (2,903), passing touchdowns (20), completions (261) and attempts (358). He upped his quarterback rating (164.1) and completion percentage (76.6%) in 2024, including third-highest single-game mark in school history (90.5%) against Mississippi State when was 19-of-21 for 201 yards and three TDs.

But Mertz sustained a season-ending knee injury at Tennessee. His last play as a Gator was a touchdown pass to put his team up 10-0 at Rocky Top. However, the story didn’t end there. Instead of mailing it in, he continued to be an active teammate and helped mentor freshman quarterback DJ Lagway along the way, drawing the praise of his teammates.

“He’s made our team better and certainly a big part of our turnaround has been him and his leadership,” Napier said.

Said Mertz: “This entire time at Florida has just been amazing.”

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