Graham Mertz spills the beans on Florida's preparation for upcoming season: "The clock's always ticking"
Graham Mertz has been preparing for what should be his final year in college football. The Florida Gators quarterback did not have the greatest season in 2023, only winning five games.
Mertz has been at the Manning Passing Academy over the last few days. On Saturday, he gave an interview where he spoke about the Gators' preparations for the 2024 season, which is nearly upon us.
"We've been in prep mode for a while. The clock is always ticking. So definitely makes a little more real. I mean, to get back into media to get back into getting around the guys and you just feel that urgency. So it's a it's coming."
Grahan Mertz will want his team to have a better season than they did in 2023, but the recent offseason has not helped the team in this goal.
In 2023, the Florida Gators struggled across the board but did showcase some talent in their offense. As well as Mertz, the team had skilled running backs Trevor Etienne and Montrell Johnson, alongside wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. These three players combined for 17 touchdowns last season.
However, both Etienne and Pearsall will not return to the Gators for the 2024 season. Etienne transferred to the Georgia Bulldogs, while Pearsall was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers.
In addition, the transfer of key players like potential NFL prospect Princely Umanmielen has put the Gators on the backfoot.
What does Graham Mertz think about the Florida Gators team in 2024?
However, Graham Mertz has confidence in the Florida Gators team for the upcoming season. In the Manning Passing Academy, Mertz said:
"We (the Florida Gators) got depth, added a bunch of new guys on both sides of the ball experience guys. But across the board, I mean, just the amount of depth we have is different than last year. So I mean, I'm always optimistic about every season, but I think we've got a special team."
The Gators have been able to pick up replacement players for those who have departed the program.
For example, the replacement for Pearsall is expected to be former Arizona State WR Elijhah Badger or former Wisconsin Badger Chimere Dike. If Dike is chosen, it will reunite him with Mertz again, as they previously played together at Wisconsin.
Additionally, the Gators have brought in former Colorado Buffaloes cornerback Cormani McClain to help boost their defense. McClain, who is only a sophomore, committed to the Buffaloes due to head coach Deion Sanders. However, this partnership did not work out and McClain left the program to find a home with the Gators.
If head coach Billy Napier utilizes him and all his new recruits, the Florida Gators have the opportunity to improve on their disappointing 2023 season, and hopefully become bowl-eligible in 2024.