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As the Gators close in on the April 13 Orange and Blue game, Billy Napier’s squad completed their seventh practice of spring camp on Saturday. At Sanders practice field, the media had the opportunity to view 15 minutes of individual and position drills, per the usual during the 2023 spring camp. Also, Saturday’s practice concluded a three-day coach clinic called Chalk Talk.
The clinic is for local high school coaches to be able to get a chance to learn and network with one another. Coaches were seen soaking in the atmosphere of a routine college practice.
However, Saturday’s festivities and spring camp overall are highlighted by the state of the quarterback room. A room that consists of the likes of Jake Miller III and Max Brown; Florida’s game-playing experience at the position is definitely a hurdle Napier was looking to tackle at the end of the 2022 season.
#Gators QBs pic.twitter.com/7EI6GuxOO0
— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) March 25, 2023
Then, transfer Graham Mertz made his way to the Swamp with the chance to compete for the starting position. The former Wisconsin Badger mentioned Florida’s sunshine was not the only reason that compelled him to play under Napier.
#Gators QB Max Brown (@mmax_23) to WR Andy Jean (@1typeandy)@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/9Lfmbw3op1
— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 25, 2023
Gators Quarterbacks at the Podium
As former Gator quarterback Anthony Richardson gears up for Pro Day, the Orange and Blue will continue to look for his replacement during spring camp.
As it currently stands, Mertz and Miller are the presumable favorites to lead the Gators under center. While Brown, a redshirt freshman, is slated to become the third. Saturday, the trio were seen working on the deep and intermediate completions with pass catchers.
#Gators QB @GrahamMertz5 to WR Ricky Pearsall (@S1ickSzn)@InsideTheGators pic.twitter.com/udBsB6bMqH
— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) March 25, 2023
Brown was seen connecting with incoming freshman wideout Andy Jean. Likewise, Mertz and Miller found their rhythm during the throwing drills as they completed a slue of deep shots.
Afterward, Miller and Mertz spoke to the media for the first time.
Miller will be entering his second season with the Gators after transferring from Ohio State spring of last year. The redshirt sophomore made his career start in the last year’s Las Vegas Bowl against Oregon State. Sadly, Miller’s play was not what he hoped but, the 6-foot-3 gunslinger said Gator nation will see a new and improved player moving forward.
As it stands today, Mertz and Miller are the top two candidates to take on the starting role for the upcoming season. Even though the two compete at their very best, Mertz said they are pushing one another to become better.
So far, Mertz and Miller have received the bulk of the reps during the media viewing period as expected leading into the April 13 Orange and Blue game.
