Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz brings up potentially redshirting 2019 season

Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan played solid football a season ago as Alex Hornibrook’s backup.

Over the offseason, Hornibrook transferred to Florida State and so it seemed to be Coan was next in line. Wisconsin also got a four-star QB — and the highest-rated QB recruit the Badgers have ever received — for the Class of 2019 in Graham Mertz.

Was Mertz going to overtake Coan and become the leader of the Badgers his first season?

Not so fast. Coan has led the Badgers to a 2-0 start this season and Wisconsin has outscored its opponents 110-0. Coan isn’t giving this job up. At least, that’s how it appears.

After Wisconsin’s 61-0 victory over Central Michigan on Saturday, Mertz talked about potentially redshirting his first season in Madison:

Wisconsin QB Graham Mertz said his expectation is to redshirt this season, although he hasn't been officially told that.

— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) September 7, 2019

QB Graham Mertz on the potential for redshirting: "They said that really to use those four (games) would be pretty sweet. I am redshirting. So it’s more just getting my opportunity in those four games to develop."

— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) September 8, 2019

Nothing is official, but it seems as though Mertz is set on potentially playing four games this season and then sitting the rest. If he does that, he is eligible to redshirt this season.

Wisconsin has a bye in Week 3 and then is set to host Michigan on Sept. 21.