Florida Football: Graham Mertz set to showcase skills at Manning Passing Academy

As the college football world prepares for the upcoming season, one prestigious event stands out as a breeding ground for the sport's future stars – the Manning Passing Academy. This year, Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz will be among the elite group of 10 SEC signal-callers chosen to attend the camp.

Now in its 28th year, the Manning Passing Academy, organized by the illustrious Manning family, has become a hallmark event for aspiring quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, and wide receivers. The camp, which runs from June 27-30, embraces the fundamental aspects of the game while catering specifically to the offensive skill positions.

For Mertz, the opportunity to participate in the Manning Passing Academy holds significant meaning. Coming off a career-defining season in 2023, during which he set personal bests in passing yards (2,903) and touchdowns (20), while also breaking school records for completion percentage (72.9%) and consecutive passes without an interception (239), the camp provides a platform for Mertz to hone his skills further and showcase his talents.

Despite the allure of the NFL Draft, Mertz's decision to return to Gainesville was fueled by a sense of unfinished business and a desire to lead the Gators to their first winning season since 2020.

"It's a big deal for the Florida Gators that Graham Mertz is back to play quarterback," said UF head coach Billy Napier after the first spring practice in March, underscoring the importance of the veteran signal-caller's return for his sixth and final year of college football.

"Frankly, I was unsatisfied with last year," Mertz himself admitted. "We won five games. Point blank, that's not it. That's why I'm back. And that's why we're fixing it."

Beyond his on-field contributions, Mertz's role extends to mentoring five-star freshman DJ Lagway, who is widely regarded as the next in line to the position. "Graham's on a mission. [He] came back with a purpose," Napier said. "And then certainly DJ being a young player, being a rookie, there's a ton to learn there. The advantage of DJ being able to observe Graham and certainly Graham's embraced that mentorship and done a phenomenal job so far."

As Mertz prepares to take the field at the Manning Passing Academy, it represents not only an opportunity to sharpen his skills but also a stepping stone on Mertz's journey toward solidifying his legacy in Gainesville.