Billy Napier on DJ Lagway becoming Florida's starting QB: 'It's his show'

The Florida Gators lost starting quarterback Graham Mertz to a season-ending with a torn ACL. With that, head coach Billy Napier will turn to freshman DJ Lagway at quarterback moving forward.

Napier explained at his press conference on Monday that it’s Lagway’s show now. He also shared that he believes that Lagway has already proven that he’s capable of performing at the level that Florida needs him to perform.

“He’s got that in him,” Billy Napier said. “I think and I would say, obviously, it goes back to his high school career. I think his senior year, some of those performances he had for that program, and what he was able to accomplish within that team. Then, in the spring game, I think we kind of saw it a little bit. So, and you know the week that he was the starter, he put on a show. So, look, the guy’s a rookie and it’s his show.”

DJ Lagway came to Florida as a five-star recruit in the Class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry Ranking. He was the first-ranked quarterback and the third-ranked player overall in that recruiting cycle. In limited playing time this season, he’s completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 765 yards and five touchdowns. He does have four interceptions. On the ground, he’s rushed for 50 yards on 24 attempts.

Late in the game against Tennessee, Lagway led Florida on a drive to tie the game late and force overtime, flashing his potential. Even though the game ended in a loss, that type of play from Lagway has flashed already this season that has Napier excited about what he can do.

“I think he’s gonna work extremely hard and I’m gonna tell you he’s been preparing as if he’s one play away from being the guy the whole time,” Napier said. “That’s been the message and the mentality since the very beginning. So, the work that he’s done since day one will all pay off, if that makes sense.”

There can be concerns about young quarterbacks picking up new things quickly. However, Billy Napier insisted that wasn’t a concern about DJ Lagway.

“There’s no limits there. I think like most learners there’s repetition but I’ve been impressed,” Napier said. “And look, I think Coach [Ryan] O’Hara does a good job. I think his ability to start with him on first day upon arrival all the way throughout the game week, Saturday to Sunday. Then, his ability to observe Graham. Kind of that whole process I think has been beneficial. So, their connection, their humility, their confidence. They’ve done that the right way and I think that’s ultimately been beneficial to both.”

DJ Lagway will get his first SEC test as a starting quarterback next week when the Gators host the Kentucky Wildcats.