Florida will wrap up its spring football session with its spring game on Thursday night inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Coach Billy Napier is in his second year at the helm, and Thursday night’s showcase will give outsiders a chance to for a first glimpse of the 2023 Gators.
Napier’s first order of business will be determining who takes the snaps after NFL hopeful Anthony Richardson chose to forgo his remaining eligibility. Graham Mertz and Jack Miller III are in a heated battle to take control of the top spot on the depth chart, and that will surely be the focal point on Thursday night. It goes beyond that, though. The Gators’ defense struggled to get negative plays last year, and that has to change if they’re going to contend for the SEC East title.
Let’s break down the top storylines to keep an eye on Thursday night in Gainesville.
How to watch 2023 Florida spring game live
Date: Thursday, April 13 | Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium — Gainesville, Florida
Live stream: SEC Network+
2023 Florida spring game storylines
1. The tale of transfer QBs: Mertz was supposed to be the best quarterback at Wisconsin since Russell Wilson, but that never materialized. He tossed 26 interceptions in 33 games with the Badgers and averaged 7.0 yards per attempt during his four seasons in Madison. He arrives in Gainesville hoping for greener pastures in a more dynamic offense. Miller started the Las Vegas Bowl vs. Oregon State after Richardson opted out and went 13 of 22 for 180 yards in the 30-3 loss. Miller was the 10th-ranked pro style quarterback in the Class of 2020, but only attempted 14 passes in six games with Ohio State. He’s been enjoying his battle with the more experienced Mertz.
“I embrace competition,” he said. “I…
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