Last week Wisconsin starting quarterback Jack Coan went down in practice with a foot injury and is now out indefinitely.
When the news came out, many expected the starter to then be redshirt freshman Graham Mertz, the highest-rated quarterback recruit in program history. Well, in a press conference yesterday Quarterback Coach Jon Budmayr confirmed that sentiment, saying “That’s the path we’re on right now.”
Related: Five takeaways from Coach Budmayr and Graham Mertz’s press conference
So, with Mertz on track to be the Week 1 starter there comes one big thing: practice highlights.
Graham. Mertz. Deep ball… pic.twitter.com/7BCR4jOx7O
— Ben Kenney (@benzkenney) October 9, 2020
First of all, the pass to wide receiver Danny Davis goes at least 55 yards in the air. Second, it is the exact definition of “thrown on a rope.”
After hearing from the quarterback and his position coach at their press conference, it’s clear that both they and the team are confident in what Mertz will be able to do when he takes the field and in his ability to lead the team in Coan’s absence.
Related: Mertz and the rest of the quarterback room give high praise to a freshman wide receiver
Here are some more highlights from the practice, including an impressive one-on-one win by freshman wide receiver Chimere Dike.
More highlights from #Badgers practice. pic.twitter.com/fPo9ZPRA7A
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) October 8, 2020
There are now only two weeks until Mertz and the Wisconsin Badgers take the field against the Illinois Fighting Illini. Though there is a question mark surrounding how Mertz will perform in his first collegiate start, videos of 55-yard ropes sure help whatever doubts people may have.