Billy Napier explains how Florida's QB depth will impact gameplan for DJ Lagway

Graham Mertz‘s season-ending injury leaves true freshman DJ Lagway as Florida‘s main quarterback moving forward for the back stretch of the Gators’ 2024 season.

Redshirt freshman Aidan Warner will back up Lagway during Week 8, which means Lagway is going to have to play every snap for Florida against Kentucky this weekend. Head coach Billy Napier explained how this changes his gameplan heading into the SEC matchup.

“We’ve been in similar situations in the past with Anthony [Richardson]. Yeah, that will be a factor,” Napier said to open Kentucky week. “Some of that we’ll have to take into consideration, and a little bit more for DJ in term of how to approach some of those situations.

“Aidan just got here in January and was injured in the spring, but he has impressed us with his — has really developed quite a bit and showed promise since coming back off the knee and being available for all of summer and training camp.”

Lagway is 47 of 72 passing for 765 yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions while he’s rushed 24 times for 50 sack-adjusted yards this season. When Mertz was in the game, he was the main passer for the Gators while Lagway could be used in option and RPO situations.

Of course, the former Five-Star Plus+ recruit will have to do it all moving forward. Whether Napier chooses to dial back on his young star’s dual-threat abilities remains to be seen, but it’s clear that Lagway has the confidence and backing of his head coach.

“DJ has this innate ability to rise to the occasion and step up in big moments,” Napier said. “I’m confident he’ll do that in this situation.”

Behind Lagway’s guidance, Florida will be looking to take down Kentucky for the first time since the 2020 season ahead of their two-game road trip to Georgia and Texas in consecutive weeks. Kickoff between the Gators and Wildcats is set for Saturday at 7:45 p.m. ET under the lights in The Swamp live on the SEC Network.