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Florida football incumbent starting Graham Mertz is back from concussion protocol.
But Florida Gators coach Billy Napier didn’t tip his hand whether Mertz or freshman quarterback DJ Lagway will start for UF on Saturday in its SEC opener against Texas A&M (3:30 p.m., ABC).
With availability reports now required for SEC games, Napier said Florida will no longer release depth charts on Wednesday, as it has done throughout his two-plus year tenure. The availability reports will update again on Thursday and Friday nights and 90 minutes before kickoff.
Napier said in the beginning of the week that he intends to use both Mertz and Lagway against Texas A&M. How that will work remains to be seen. Lagway passed for a UF freshman record 456 yards and 3 TDs in Florida’s 45-7 win over Samford last Saturday, displaying a strong downfield throwing arm in completing six passes of 30 yards or more.
“Both players were able to get reps with both groups,” Napier said. “They’re both preparing at a high level in anticipation of both playing in the game. It’s been awesome to see them work together, as they prepare and practice, encouraging each other, collaborating with each other.”
Florida players and coaches say Mertz has looked sharp in practice this week in his return from a concussion.
“He’s had a great week,” Napier said. “I was telling him, ‘a couple days off helped you’. The ball is jumping out of his hand, I think he’s getting back into a rhythm. We’ve been able to practice outside the last couple days in the conditions, which is good for us. He’s certainly handled that well.”
Added Florida tight end Hayden Hansen: “He’s always been kind of a locked in guy but he’s extra locked in this week and he is a competitor, I’m sure he hated sitting out this game, I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone come back from a…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/florida-football-injury-qb-graham-012109918.html
Author : The Gainesville Sun
Publish date : 2024-09-12 01:21:09
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