Billy Napier discusses availability of Graham Mertz, opportunity for DJ Lagway

With Florida quarterback Graham Mertz still recovering from a concussion suffered in the opener against Miami, there might still be plenty of opportunity for heralded freshman DJ Lagway to play. And that’s something head coach Billy Napier is hoping can build an early foundation for the Gators quarterback of the future.

And Lagway’s role will obviously hinge on Mertz’ availability. Napier didn’t give a definitive answer on Mertz and his health on the SEC coaches teleconference on Wednesday, but said the Gators would have a better idea of the situation as of Wednesday afternoon or evening.

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“It’s to be determined,” Napier said of Mertz. “I think that we’re in that process as we speak and we’ll have official word a little bit later today. Tonight we have official media and we are working on an in-house process this week for the SEC availability reports which we will have to do for the first time next week. So we’re practicing that process and we’ll have more information after practice today.”

Mertz went 11-of-20 for 91 yards and an interception before getting knocked out of the game. Lagway was limited in his passing opportunities in relief, but went 3-of-6 for 31 yards and an interception, while carrying four times for 20 yards.

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And despite the small sample, Napier saw some good for Lagway to keep building on. If nothing else time spent working with the first team will likely pay dividends down the line for the quarterback.

Yeah, it’s been a lot of fun. I think DJ is — he’s got a great attitude,” Napier said. “Obviously he’s excited. Got a chance to play Saturday for the first time in his career and just to get feedback about that and now understand what it’s like out there as a competitor. But yeah, so far, so good. I thought he did a lot of good things yesterday, and it’s great to see the other players kind of rally around him. But yeah, it’s definitely a positive for him to be able to take advantage of those reps with the first team.”

Florida hosts Samford for a 7 p.m. EST kickoff as the Gators try to get the first win of the season in Week 2.