American Football in Florida holder from Graham Mertz is back from concussion protocol.
But Florida Gators Coach Billy Napier wouldn’t say whether it was Mertz or the freshman quarterback. DJ Lagway will start for UF Saturday in its SEC opener against Texas A&M University (3:30 p.m., ABC).
With availability reports now mandatory for SEC games, Napier said Florida will no longer release depth charts on Wednesday, as it has throughout his two-plus-year tenure. Availability reports will again be updated Thursday and Friday nights and 90 minutes before kickoff.
Napier said earlier this week that he intends to use both Mertz and Lagway against Texas A&M. How that works remains to be seen. Lagway passed for a UF freshman record 456 yards and three TDs in Florida’s 45-7 win over Samford last Saturday, displaying a powerful deep throwing arm by completing six passes of 30 yards or more.
“Both guys were able to play with both groups,” Napier said. “They both prepare at a high level for the game. It was great to see them work together, as they prepare and train, encourage each other, collaborate with each other.”
Florida players and coaches say Mertz has looked healthy in practice this week after returning from a concussion.
“He’s had a great week,” Napier said. “I was telling him, ‘A couple of days off has helped you.’ The ball’s getting out of his hands, I think he’s getting his rhythm back. We’ve been able to train outside the last few days in these conditions, which is good for us. He’s certainly handled that well.”
Florida tight end Hayden Hansen added: “He’s always been a pretty focused guy, but he’s even more focused this week and he’s a competitor. I’m sure he hated being on the bench during that game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody come back from a concussion as sharp and precise as he has. Sometimes you have to shake it off a little bit, but I didn’t really see that with him this week.”
Florida listed 10 players as out and six players as questionable for Saturday’s game against the Aggies. Note, the departure security Asa Turner and starting cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson are listed as out and starting receiver Eugene Wilson, who leads UF in receiving with 13 receptions for 191 yards and 1 TD, is also listed as questionable.
Former Florida linebacker Scooby Williams is listed as doubtful. Williams transferred from Florida to Texas A&M this offseason, following former UF linebackers coach Jay Bateman, who is now the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M.
Florida Football Availability Report
Out
WR Ja’Quavion Fraziars
CB Ja’Keem Jackson
TE Keon Zipperer
S. Asa Turner
WR Kahleil Jackson
DB Ahman Covington
Baseball Brayden Slade
TE Caleb Rillos
WR Brian Green Jr.
DL Jamari Lyons
Questionable
DB Sharif Denson
WR Eguene Wilson III
DB Bryce Thornton
WR Andy Jean
CB Devin Moore
BY TJ Searcy
Texas A&M Availability Report
Out
RB Ruenen Owens
OL Mark Nabou Jr.
Questionable
LB Scooby Williams
This article was originally published on The Gainesville Sun: Florida, Texas Football Injury Update, Graham Mertz, Eugene Wilson III
