By all accounts, Graham Mertz was a model citizen during his run in Madison. There were no behavioral scandals or rumors about him being a poor teammate; he conducted his business over the past three years with class and maturity. However, the news that he has entered the transfer portal is a positive step for both Mertz and the Badgers.
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There Were High Expectations for Graham Mertz
Arriving in Madison as the 21st-ranked player in the 2019 recruiting class, Mertz had a lot to live up to. Although he threw for 5,405 yards and 38 touchdowns in his three years–in a run-heavy offense–he also donated 26 interceptions to the defense, a staggering number for an offense that values time possession. Critics compared him (unfairly at times) to game managers of the past, such as Scott Tolzein and Jim Sorgi. Mertz did not have the same skill set as those players and had flashes of superior arm strength to those former quarterbacks, but he could not shake the turnover bug, and that ultimately proved unforgivable to his supporters.
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A Fresh Start for Both Sides
Now, both Mertz and Wisconsin are afforded fresh starts. Mertz has the opportunity to play and excel for two years at a program more conducive to his abilities. Likewise, Luke Fickell can now select his guy, one who closely resembles the field general with which he is most comfortable based on his balanced offense. This is a win-win for both sides.
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