Billy Napier: Graham Mertz 'Will Definitely Be Ready' for Florida Spring Camp

GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Amid questions about the newest additions to Florida's roster and coaching staff on Wednesday, head coach Billy Napier had encouraging news regarding a returning Gator to share.

UF quarterback Graham Mertz, who suffered what Napier deemed "a nondisplaced fracture of the collarbone" to his throwing arm during Florida's Week 12 loss at Missouri last season, is on track to participate in the team's spring training camp this offseason, which is scheduled to begin on March 7.

“Graham will definitely be ready to go," Napier said.

The hurt ruled Mertz out of Florida's Week 13 season finale, what would have been his first Sunshine State Showdown as a member of the Gators, Florida vs. Florida State.

His career revival campaign ended at that time. However, Mertz avoided a more significant version of the injury and ultimately bypassed surgery, placing him on a recovery timeline that he foreshadowed as positive in December.

"There's always a general timeline for collarbones," Mertz commented on Dec. 6, observed wearing a sling to support his shoulder at the time. "I think for me, I'm more focused on just my day-to-day, how I'm feeling and how the recovery is coming along. But everything is on schedule and I'm feeling great."

Following his transfer from Wisconsin last offseason, Mertz produced single-season career bests in nearly every important statistical category for quarterbacks. Completing an SEC-high 72.9% of his passing attempts, Mertz threw for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions in the Gators' offense.

The breakout resulted in Mertz's option to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft, he shared. He declined to do so and will instead exhaust his college eligibility with Florida this year.

"You grow up your whole life playing this game wanting to go to the NFL, and I had the choice between the two," Mertz said. "And I think in the end being able to come back and be with this team for another year — I mean, I care about this place so much. Them taking the step and making the choice and getting me here, it was everything for me. I feel like I owe this place everything I got."

Napier was asked for injury statuses of other Florida contributors alongside Mertz: Running back Cam Carroll and edge rusher Justus Boone, both of whom suffered torn ACLs last offseason, and linebacker Shemar James, who underwent surgery after dislocating his left kneecap vs. Georgia in 2023.

Each continues to recover from their respective hurts, making it unclear if they will participate in spring camp next month as Mertz will.

"I think some of those others that you mentioned are to be determined," Napier indicated. "We’ll keep you updated but Graham will be ready.”

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