Billy Napier provided the media with injury updates ahead of Florida’s week two matchup vs Samford.
DJ Lagway expected to start at QB
Redshirt senior quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a concussion during Florida’s week one loss to Miami and true freshman DJ Lagway is expected to start in week two vs Samford.
“Graham did not practice today. He is farther into the protocol, he’s doing better, but he’s not quite there yet. As of now, DJ [Lagway] will start the game and Clay [Millen] and Aidan [Warner] will be the backups,” Napier said.
While Napier didn’t leave out the option of Mertz being cleared and available to play in week two, it seemed highly unlikely.
“I think it’s to be determined, but Graham hasn’t practiced,” Napier said.
True freshman DJ Lagway is set to make his first collegiate start vs Samford on September 7th.
“DJ has a great attitude, obviously he’s excited,” Napier said on Wednesday. “He got a chance to play Saturday for the first time in his career. Just to get feedback about that and now understand what it’s like out there as a competitor. So far so good. I thought he did a lot of good things yesterday and it’s great to see the only players rally around him. It’s definitely a positive for him to be able to take advantage of reps with the first team.”
Hurting in the secondary
Napier also confirmed that safety Asa Turner, star/nickel Sharif Denson, and cornerback Devin Moore are out for week two. Napier mentioned that they hope to get Sharif Denson back soon, but did not provide a further update on Turner or Moore.
Joey Slackman
Graduate defensive lineman Joey Slackman will also miss Florida’s week two matchup vs Samford with an undisclosed injury. Napier is optimistic they’ll get Slackman back soon.