DJ Lagway details recovery process, injury return vs. LSU

The big question for Billy Napier and Florida ahead of last week’s game against LSU was whether DJ Lagway would play. He suffered a hamstring injury against Georgia that kept him out against Texas, but he was back on the field for a signature win for the Gators.

Lagway detailed his recovery process, which got him ready to help lead Florida to the upset victory over LSU at The Swamp. He apparently told Napier he was going to play, showing how much he wanted to be on the field for the game.

Lagway said he “just made a statement,” though. His point was he wanted to be out their with his teammates, who continue to support him after taking over as the starting quarterback.

“I’ve got to get out there and play for my guys,” Lagway said. “I feel like they rally around me very well, I feel like they play well around me and I’m just thankful to have a great support cast. The offense line played their butt off.

“We had no sacks. … So it was kudos to those guys, man, and receivers making heck of a plays, tight ends making plays, tight ends blocking running backs, making heck of a runs. It was a great offensive effort, and even the defense play well. Special teams did, too. So it was a great all-around win.”

DJ Lagway: Billy Napier, UF staff did ‘amazing job’ with game plan

As he went through the week, Lagway gave credit to the UF coaching and medical staffs for getting him ready to go. But the physical aspect was just one piece of the puzzle. He also had to get ready mentally after missing a game. That’s where the two groups were especially important.

“There was a lot of stuff going on this week, just preparing my body, making sure my body was 100% or just feeling good enough to go out there and play,” Lagway said. “Then, also, having to prepare on the mental side of it. It was definitely a challenging week.

“But kudos to my coaches and even the medical team. They’ve helped me so much. They’re the best in the country. And I can say that because they helped me be able to get back to playing speed as quick as possible.”

It’s safe to say, that preparation worked. DJ Lagway completed 13 of 26 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown to lead the offense. Notably, he didn’t record a carry – largely working from the pocket. He said that was an adjustment made ahead of the game because of his injury, and he credited Napier and the staff for putting the plan together.

“I feel like Coach Napier and the offensive staff did an amazing job of game-planning, just my strengths and weaknesses for this week,” Lagway said. “And I feel like this week’s taught me a lot, just learning how to truly play in the pocket and just maneuver and trust in my o-line and trust in all the guys around me. It was a great week, and I’m excited to build forward.”