Graham Mertz hopes to take more chances with Florida Football in 2024

For the 2024 season, there is plenty of new for Florida Football. But one of the constants from last year will be Graham Mertz. Coming off a career year in 2023, Mertz is looking to take the next step forward in 2024.

Mertz's 2023 performance was nothing short of impressive. In 11 games, he set new personal bests with 2,903 passing yards and 20 touchdowns while throwing just three interceptions. His 72.9% completion rate ranked third among all FBS quarterbacks with at least 250 completions.

The quarterback's efficiency and ball security were particularly noteworthy. Mertz set a Florida record with 239 consecutive passes without an interception, demonstrating his growth in decision-making and ability to protect the football. He also tied for second all-time in UF history with an 83.3% completion percentage in two separate games.

Head coach Billy Napier has recognized Mertz's importance to the team, calling his decision to return "the biggest, No. 1 storyline and the biggest decision that was made to affect our team." This vote of confidence from the coaching staff is a compliment to Mertz's leadership role and the expectations placed on him for the upcoming season.

But despite his impressive 2023 campaign, Mertz still faces skepticism from some corners. Many preseason SEC quarterback rankings place him in a lower tier compared to more hyped prospects.

One area where Mertz aims to improve in 2024 is in creating more explosive plays. Last season, only 39 of his 358 passing attempts were for 20 yards or more, with 16 completions. His average depth of target (ADOT) was 6.8 yards, about three yards less than top-tier quarterbacks. Mertz has acknowledged this need and spent the spring practice taking more "calculated risks," as Coach Napier puts it.

The Gators' offensive success in 2024 will heavily depend on Mertz's continued development and leadership. With improvements to the offensive line and a talented group of skill position players, Mertz will have the opportunity to showcase his arm strength and decision-making abilities.