QB DJ Lagway ready to represent community, Florida at Elite 11 Finals

Elite quarterback DJ Lagway is already the face of the Gators’ 2024 class.

Lagway, the No. 3 QB in the On300 for the cycle out of Willis (Texas) High School just outside of Houston, has been committed to Florida since December. One of the most coveted recruits in the country, the 6-foot-3, 218-pound Lagway is one of a handful of top passers from around the country invited to the Elite 11 Finals this week in Los Angeles.

The No. 20 recruit in the On300 for 2024 has been prepared for this moment for some time.

“I’m super excited and I can’t wait to get up there to compete with the guys and soak up so much knowledge from the coaches and these former players. I cannot wait to be around this group of guys,” Lagway told On3.

“As a kid, I watched YouTube videos of Tua (Tagovailoa), Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields,” he continued. “When it comes to Elite 11, I’ve always been watching the videos and wishing one day that I would have that opportunity. Now that it’s here, I am so excited for it.”

As a junior, Lagway threw for 2,000 yards with a 24:5 touchdown to interception ratio with another 500 yards and seven touchdowns rushing. This spring, Lagway has continued to tweak different aspects of his game.

The main emphasis has been on consistency.

“I’m working to be more consistent,” Lagway started. “For me, this event is about having a good time and also soaking up everything, and also being consistent and hopefully coming out with the MVP. I’m ready with full eyes open to soak in everything, whatever they throw at me I’ll be ready for it, and I’ll be mentally strong there, ready to have a good time and also compete.”

Lagway took his official visit to Florida on June 2-4 weekend, the team’s biggest recruiting weekend of the summer. After visits to The Swamp all through the fall and into this spring and summer, the five-star quarterback feels extremely confident in his commitment to Billy Napier, Ryan O’Hara, Joe Hamilton, and the Gators.

“I’m locked in with Florida right now and for me, it’s all about getting the best players there,” Lagway said. “I want to get the best talent out there around so we can succeed on the field. The big thing for me is recruiting and getting some of those guys here to play.”

“The Florida coaches still recruit me really hard and they’re showing me I’m a priority. Florida does an amazing job of making me feel like I’m a recruit, and I feel like I’m at home. I like my relationship with the guys over there, with all of the players and the coaching staff. It feels like home and I’m excited … it’s a blessing to represent my community, and represent well for the Willis community and also the Gainesville community and the Florida fans. I can’t wait to get out there and compete and have fun.”