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Florida starting quarterback Graham Mertz is out for the season after suffering a torn ACL in Saturday’s overtime loss to Tennessee, coach Billy Napier said in Monday’s news conference.
Mertz Suffers ACL Injury
Mertz hurt himself after his 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Arlis Boardingham in the third quarter that gave UF a 10-0 lead.
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Napier said Mertz tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Season-ending injuries seem to be in the cards for Mertz. His season ended last year after breaking his collarbone against Missouri.
Injuries are a part of the game, Napier said.
“You understand that as a coach,” he said. “You certainly understand that as a player and you never know what contributes to these things … but I think there is opportunity that comes with injury.”
Redshirt freshman quarterback Aidan Warner, a Yale transfer and Winter Park, Fla., native, will back up Lagway, Napier said.
Mertz will undergo surgery next week. Napier said he appreciates not only what Mertz has done for him, but for the University of Florida:
Tennessee Pulls Out OT Win
Freshman DJ Lagway took over for Mertz and threw a game-tying touchdown pass in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, the true freshman could not bring the Gators a victory as the Volunteers won 23-17 in overtime.
Dylan Sampson sealed the overtime win on a 1-yard run. It was his third touchdown of the night.
Lagway To Start Against Wildcats
Thanks to UF’s alternating quarterback system, Napier said Lagway, who made his first start last month against Samford, will be prepared for Saturday’s Homecoming game against Kentucky:
Game Time
The Gators (3-3, 1-2 SEC) will host the Kentucky Wildcats (3-3, 1-3) at 7:45 p.m. Saturday (SEC Network, ESPN 98.1-FM/850-AM WRUF).
