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Billy Napier reveals how DJ Lagway approaches QB1 duties following Graham Mertz news

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•10/16/24•

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DJ-Lagway-Florida-Gators
DJ Lagway, Florida - © Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

DJ Lagway has been handed the keys to Florida‘s offense following the season-ending injury of Graham Mertz. Head coach Billy Napier now turns to a true freshman for the back half of the year with a 3-3 record with a gauntlet schedule incoming. It’s a sudden change for the Gators and off tough news regarding Mertz.

Even so, Napier feels as if Lagway is prepared for the moment. After all, this will not be the first start of his career after leading the team onto the field against Samford earlier this season. Napier admits the process is a little different due to the opponent but there is experience to work with.

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“He’s done this once before,” Napier said. “Graham was injured earlier in the season. So, we’ve been through this. He’s been able to take significant reps. Not only in practice but in games. I think that evolution, that experience, those lessons he’s learned are preparing him with the anticipation that he’s going to play. All of that will add up and help. Obviously, a little bit different when you’re playing Kentucky who’s a heck of a football team and you’re playing an SEC opponent.”

Lagway has 72 pass attempts to his name, throwing for 765 yards and five touchdowns but does have four interceptions. Outside of Stamford, not much consistency has been there for the youngster as he gets every third drive for the Florida offense.

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Napier is confident in his quarterback moving forward, citing the foundation Lagway has as a human off the field.

“DJ, he’s done a great job since Day 1,” Napier said. “He’s got a good foundation in terms of being a competitor but in general as a person, the family he comes from. I’ve always said this about him — he has the ability to raise his level at the most crucial moments. He’s proved that over and over and I think Saturday will be no different.”

Florida welcomes Kentucky to the Swamp on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 7:45 p.m. ET. Lagway will be searching for his second win as the starter and hoping to bring the Gators to a 4-3 record.