ChompTalk.com

Florida quarterback Graham Mertz will miss the remainder of his sixth year of college football. The former Wisconsin signal caller tore his ACL in a non-contact injury after tossing a 13-yard touchdown pass to tight end Arlis Boardingham in Florida’s overtime loss to Tennessee Saturday.

Mertz was moving backwards after the throw before landing awkwardly on his left leg. Mertz left the game and headed to the locker room almost immediately. Mertz was seen on the sideline wearing a brace and on crutches as the Gators forced overtime with a late score.

Since his arrival at Florida, Mertz has completed nearly 74% of his passing attempts while throwing 26 touchdown passes and only five interceptions over 16 games played. His greatest asset, however, may have been the leadership he showed day in and day out.

The Gators offense will now turn to true freshman DJ Lagway, who has seen action in each game this season. Lagway started the game against Samford and threw for 456 yards and three scores. On Saturday, he finished the day 9-17 for 98 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Lagway will be backed up by Aidan Warner, a 6-3, 200 lb sophomore from Winter Park. Warner went 1-2 for ten yards in relief of Lagway in the Samford game.

Florida will face Kentucky at the Swamp Saturday night with kickoff slated for 7:45 PM. The game will be broadcast live on SEC Network.