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Stretching the field: Graham Mertz is looking pretty good throwing the deep ball in Wisconsin’s practices

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Wisconsin’s offense took a major hit last weekend, when starting quarterback Jack Coan sustained a non-contact injury to his right foot, sidelining him indefinitely. But a few highlights from the Badgers’ practices this week shows that redshirt freshman Graham Mertz is looking pretty strong.

Mertz is taking a majority of the snaps with the first-team offense in Coan’s absence. The former 4-star recruit saw limited action last season, but is ready to take over the starting job in 2020 with Coan sidelined.

A few highlights shared by Zach Heilprin of The Zone in Madison shows that Mertz appears to be stretching the field pretty well in practice.

For a redshirt freshman, Mertz is looking pretty sharp. The big question is whether or not it will translate to a game.

Mertz appeared in two games for the Badgers last season, completing 9-of-10 passes for 73 yards. He’s got the tools for success and now he’ll get the opportunity.

Wisconsin will open the season on Saturday, Oct. 24 against Illinois.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB