As Spring Practice takes full swing, many fans will have questions about each position group. From the quarterback’s perspective, fans should be feeling confident. With three Gators quarterbacks that could start on many Division 1 teams, depth is of no concern. Bringing back Graham Mertz for his senior year was pivotal for the success of this offense. Adding 5-star DJ Lagway, and former Colorado State starter Clay Millen will provide Mertz with talented backups. Fans will be eager to see Lagway in the Orange and Blue, as there is no question that he is the future of this program. With Millen also at the helm, the Gators have plenty of insurance and talent in this room. With Mertz leading the way, this is a deep position group that will ultimately define a pivotal season for Billy Napier and the Gators program.
Graham Mertz
The unquestioned starter going into this season, Mertz experienced a career year in his first year in Gainesville. Coming over as a transfer from Wisconsin, many fans weren’t sold on his abilities. However, Mertz quietly had one of the most impressive seasons in college football. Despite only going 5-7, no one would pin that on the back of Mertz. Showing steady improvements as the season progressed, expectations are now much higher. One of the most accurate quarterbacks, the next step for Mertz will be his downfield passing. Oftentimes being too quick to check it down, Mertz must work on his poise in the pocket and patience with the routes.
This Spring practice window will allow him plenty of time to get accustomed to his new receiving room. Losing Ricky Pearsall will sting, yet Mertz does have plenty of chemistry with the remaining receivers. Bringing in one of his favorite targets from Wisconsin in Chimere Dike should also help ease some of the losses. There is no reason to believe that Mertz won’t take the right steps forward. Having a full season under his belt, Mertz will have grown accustomed to the way Napier runs his offense. Gator fans should have no worries about the quarterback room and its respective leader. With another accurate season, Mertz could even land himself on the NFL radar. If the Gators are indeed going to compete next season, it will fall on the shoulders of their veteran quarterback.
DJ Lagway
One of the highest rated prospects the Gators have signed in recent memory, Lagway comes into the Swamp with sky high expectations. Not yet ready to start, Lagway should still find himself on the field for certain packages. Enrolling early and getting a full Spring practice window under his belt will be huge for his development. Many sources from these practices have been saying what all fans have expected to hear. Lagway has all the talent in the world, he simply needs time to adjust to the college game. Throwing interceptions in Spring Practice should not be cause for alarm. Despite his sheer talent, this Gators quarterback should still be expected to go through some growing pains. Taking a year to learn the system behind Mertz will be the best option for his career.
Now, despite the knowledge that he will be sitting behind Mertz, the coaches aren’t going to let him simply warm the bench. Fans may fondly remember Tim Tebow’s freshman season, and how he was utilized behind starter Chris Leak. Perhaps not ending in a championship, fans should still expect similar results. Mertz has earned the starting job, and his talent and ability to run Napier’s offense is evident. However, there is simply no world in which a player of Lagway’s pedigree can stand by on the sidelines. With an ability to run as well as pass, Lagway could see himself becoming the change of pace quarterback. Although Dan Mullen is gone, fans could see a similar offensive game plan. Years ago, Mullen incorporated Emory Jones in for Kyle Trask as a change of pace threat. Don’t be surprised to see Lagway come in for certain play calls and burn what could have been a redshirt season.
Clay Millen
Brought in via the transfer portal from Colorado State, Millen provides the Gators quarterback room with valuable depth. Although not competing for a starting job, Millen still has an important role on this team. Starting as a redshirt freshman back in 2022, Millen set the single-season completion percentage record for the Rams at 72.2 percent. With big game experience under his belt, Millen is no ordinary backup. Going into the 2023 season as the Rams starter, Millen struggled and was replaced before their second game of the year. Never retaining his starting job, Millen decided to take his talents elsewhere and enter the portal.
Committing to Florida early in the process has allowed Millen to take part in Spring practice. Taking reps as the third quarterback on the depth chart is no knock on his skillset. He is not necessarily practicing for early playing time, Millen has the chance to compete and learn in this talented position room. Taking part in these high paced practices will be quite beneficial for his career in the long run. Look for Millen to work on his development this season and take it as a sort of redshirt year. Millen can use everything he will learn this upcoming season and help himself prepare for another chance to start.
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