Florida football: Which incoming transfers will have the greatest impact?

Florida football transfers: Graham Mertz, QB

Here’s a guy that absolutely nobody is surprised to see on this list. The starting QB for the Gators this year, even though Napier hasn’t officially announced it, will be Graham Mertz.

Sure, he isn’t as flashy as some of the other transfer quarterbacks who will debut with new teams this fall. But as fall camp has started, and Mertz has gotten more reps, confidence is growing in his ability to lead this team.

There’s never been a real reason to doubt Mertz’s ability to run the offense. It’s led by Florida’s two running backs that take pressure off of their QB, and all that Graham will be asked to do is limit mistakes and complete short, quick passes to Florida’s speedy wideouts.

Graham threw for 2,136 yards and 19 touchdowns last season with Wisconsin and had a 135.0 passer rating.

Again, maybe you don’t love Mertz’s arm strength or his numbers. But no QB in this year’s offense would be putting up Heisman numbers. The receivers are still developing and the running backs are established. Mertz will have to be a game manager and nothing more, which we know he can do.

So if you want to doubt Mertz and his skillset, be my guest. But don’t jump on the train later when he’s executing and Florida is operating smoothly.