Billy Napier: DJ Lagway has had an 'awesome spring'

It seems like it’s only a matter of time before DJ Lagway becomes the starting quarterback at Florida. Whether it’s in 2024, or in 2025 as a sophomore or redshirt freshman, fans cannot wait to see what their consensus five-star QB is capable of.

Gators head coach Billy Napier has spoken at length of Lagway’s potential since he signed in December of 2023. After spending a full spring and summer evaluating his future QB1, it appears that Napier is just as high on him now as he was on the recruiting trail.

“It’s been an awesome spring with DJ,” Napier said of his blue-chip freshman quarterback. “I think it’s unique, 43 starts, first offense, you’re scripting, and then you’ve got this guy who’s a little bit different type of athlete, no experience, and you’re scripting for the second group. It’s been fun. DJ has made great progress.”

Lagway was dominant in his school, even earning 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year honors. Still, Napier said he came to Gainesville eager and ready to get to work.

When the freshman arrived on campus in January, Napier met with him to discuss his IDP, or ‘Individual Development Plan’ where Napier informed him of Graham Mertz‘s decision to return to Florida in 2024.

“I told him that was going to be the best thing that ever happened to him,” Napier said.

Lagway is expected to take over the reigns beginning in 2025, and fans are excited to see what the consensus five-star recruit is capable of on the gridiron.

Fans were given a preview of what’s to come during the spring game in April. Lagway finished the scrimmage 12 for 21 passing with 173 yards and two touchdowns to show for it. He completed five passes of over five yards in the contest, looking comfortable in Napier’s system.

“If you go back to some of the throwing sessions in January and then you watch the spring game, he continues to improve,” Napier said. “That’s what I appreciate about DJ. He wants to get better. He’s a worker, and he’s getting a chance to observe, in my opinion, one of the best quarterbacks in the country who goes about it the right way in Graham Mertz.

“DJ has got a chance to make our team better, and we can never forget he’s one play away from running out there. Critical coming days for DJ in his development and getting ready to do his job for our team.”