There are less than 70 starting quarterback spots in college football Power Five conference, and Florida’s Graham Mertz is among the top 25, according to the Athletic’s Cooper Klaus.
On Wednesday, Klaus released his college football quarterback rankings, which he created using a model that considers both passing and rushing ability. Klaus admits that his model should be used as a “starting point for debate, rather than the be-all and end-all,” and he even includes commentary from another writer on which players might be over- or underrated.
Mertz being placed at No. 23 didn’t ruffle too many feathers, but it’s not likely to please Gators fans either. After watching Anthony Richardson scramble around the field seemingly at will for a season, the Florida faithful now get to watch a true pocket passer.
The former Wisconsin Badger ranks in the 95th percentile for passing among Power Five quarterbacks, using expected points added (EPA). A 57th percentile rusher, it’s safe to say Mertz prefers to throw the ball than take off.
Still, he’ll have to show some versatility to succeed in the SEC. Right now, Auburn‘s Payton Thorne, Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart, South Carolina’s Spencer Rattler, Arkansas‘ KJ Jefferson and Missouri’s Brady Cook are ranked ahead of Mertz.
Mertz isn’t projected to lead the conference in any major passing statistic, but a few strong games could help move him up this list. Florida’s roster is built to run, so he’ll have to make the most of what passing opportunities he does get.
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