Billy Napier confirms DJ Lagway will take first-team reps as Graham Mertz deals with injury

It remains to be seen if DJ Lagway or Graham Mertz will start at quarterback for Florida on Saturday against Samford. However, as of now, Lagway is getting the first-team reps as Florida prepares for the Bulldogs.

Mertz left this past weekend’s loss to Miami with a concussion, leading to Lagway entering the game. The freshman was 3-for-6 passing for 31 yards and an interception. He also had four carries for 20 yards.

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“Well, it’s to be determined right now, you know,” Billy Napier said Monday when asked if Graham Mertz will start. “I think obviously we are checking boxes in protocol, you know. So regardless of the injury that he has, I don’t have that answer today. But we’re gonna go practice today and obviously DJ will be taking those reps.”

DJ Lagway was rated as the No. 1 quarterback and No. 3 overall player in the country for the class of 2024, per the On3 Industry rankings. The Texas native arrived in Gainesville with monster expectations.

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However, he may now move into a starting role, at least for one game, quicker than anyone expected.

Napier shared his expectations for Lagway if he does indeed start against Samford.

“Well, I mean, I think we would play a brand of football that reflects his experience and his strengths,” Billy Napier said. “No different than we do each week. But I’ve got a ton of confidence in DJ. I think we’ve had him since January. He’s a completely different person and player than he was when he first arrived.

“He’s got a really good knowledge of our system. I do think coach-to-player helps a young quarterback, right, so there’s an advantage there that maybe you wouldn’t have had a year ago.”

Paul Finebaum wonders if DJ Lagway can be a ‘silver lining’ for Billy Napier

Florida didn’t get off to the hot start it was hoping for in the 2024 campaign. On Saturday, the Gators fell 41-17 to in-state rival Miami. The loss only added to the concerns around Florida head coach Billy Napier‘s future with the program.

On Sunday, Paul Finebaum openly wondered what’s next for Napier and how he can salvage the season. Along the way, the SEC Network analyst also weighed in on freshman quarterback DJ Lagway‘s role on the team.

“The good will? Gone. The momentum? Gone,” Finebaum said. “The one thing Billy Napier has, based on everyone with whom I’ve spoke, is DJ Lagway. If he is this superstar, and if Napier can grab a hold of him and ride through some some turmoil and get to at least — I mean, what’s a respectable record — .500, right now? There’s a silver lining.”