Billy Napier praises character, development of freshman QB DJ Lagway

Many are excited about what veteran Florida quarterback Graham Mertz can potentially do for the Gators this upcoming season. But true freshman and former five-star prospect DJ Lagway has also generated plenty of buzz as the quarterback of the future for the program.

Lagway played a crucial role as a leader in recruiting for the Gators after committing in December 2022 before enrolling in January of this year. He’s since made made an immediate impact in Gainesville, which Florida head coach Billy Napier spoke about at SEC Media Days.

“DJ comes from a great family and I think if you had a chance to drive up the Willis, Texas and meet his family, to walk the halls in that school, to see how he’s been raised, the community that he comes from, he’s got a unique character and faith element to him that I respect and I certainly respect his family,” Napier said Wednesday. “We all know he’s talented and he dominated high school football his senior year. But he showed up ready to work.”

Lagway threw for a whopping 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns during his senior year to earn the 2023 National Gatorade Player of the Year Award. It’s one reason many believed he’s equipped with the skill set to potentially be a starting quarterback early in his collegiate career.

But following spring practices, the freshman came to terms with developing behind Mertz and continuing to step up his game.

“I can remember having a conversation with (Lagway) after the spring game,” Napier revealed. “We have our IDP meeting, and we’re sitting there in the cafeteria. He’s sitting there eating dinner, I sit down and eat with him and we’re talking about Graham coming back and how I told him that was going to be the best thing that ever happened to him and he said, ‘Coach, I get that now after being through the entire first semester.’ So it’s been an awesome spring with DJ.”

In Florida’s spring game, Lagway completed 12 of his 21 pass attempts for 173 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He showed obvious flashes of his high-ceiling of potential that comes with most quarterbacks that were ranked No. 1 in the country in their recruiting class.

“I think it’s unique right?” Napier asked. “Forty-three starts, first offense you’re scripted and then you get this guy who’s a little bit different type of athlete, no experience and you’re scripted for the second group and it’s been fun. And DJ has made great progress, if you go back to some of the throwing sessions in January and then you watch the spring game. I mean he continues to improve and that’s what I appreciate about DJ he wants to get better.”

Outside of his obvious physical abilities, Lagway has clearly shown that he also has the intangibles that every coach wants from their leader under center. As his development throughout his true freshman season will be fascinating to track through the calendar year.

“He’s a worker and he’s getting a chance to observe, in my opinion, one of the best quarterbacks in the country who goes about it the right way in Graham Mertz. So DJ’s got a chance to make our team better and we can never forget he’s one play away from running out there. So critical coming days for DJ and his development and getting ready to do his job for our team,” Napier concluded.