Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway, linebacker Shemar James, and kicker Trey Smack all earned weekly honors from the SEC for their performances in the Gators’ 27-16 win over the LSU Tigers, the Southeastern Conference announced Monday.
Lagway, James and Smack are the first trio of Gators to earn weekly honors in the same week in nearly eight years to the day, when on Nov. 21, 2016 Tyrie Cleveland (Freshman of the Week), Eddie Piniero (Special Teams Player of the Week), and David Reese (Defensive Player of the Week) garnered the same three honors against the same LSU Tigers.
DJ LAGWAY, QB – SEC FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Despite running only 43 plays and possessing the ball for just 18:17 minutes, Lagway authored an explosive performance, with seven of his 13 passes connecting for more than 17 yards.
He connected with Elijhah Badger in the first quarter for his lone touchdown pass of the day, a 23-yard connection to put the Gators up 7-0 early. Later, the freshman completed another pass to Elijhah Badger for 36 yards, his longest pass of the day, setting up Ja’Kobi Jackson’s go-ahead 1-yard rushing touchdown to give the Gators a lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
“Elite play,” Napier said on Lagway. “That throw to Badger, stepping up into the pocket, left tackle was on an edge and just those are throws — God blessed that young man, is what I would say.”
Lagway finished with 13 completions on 26 attempts, 226 passing yards, one touchdown, and a 135.7 passer rating.
Lagway is the second Gator to earn SEC Freshman of the Week, joining running back Jadan Baugh, who won the award after a five-touchdown game vs Kentucky.
He is the first Gators quarterback to win an SEC Freshman of the Week honor since Treon Harris did so on November 10, 2014.
SHEMAR JAMES, LB – SEC DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
The selection comes after James posted multiple career highs in Florida’s 27-16 win over the LSU Tigers, including sacks (2), pass breakups (2) and tackles for loss (2), while collecting a season-high 11 tackles. James led the Gators in all three statistics.
James led a Florida front-seven that tallied 7 sacks of LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier against an LSU Offensive line that had allowed only six sacks entering the contest. Florida’s front stifled LSU’s run game, holding the Tigers to just 2.9 yards per carry on 44 attempts. Florida totaled 11 tackles for loss and 6 additional quarterback hurries.
“I think lately he’s really starting to play well,” Napier said on James. “Shemar is a three-down player. I thought he’s improved as a tackler. Just his stopping power has improved. And I think just in general him as a communicator, as a leader. He’s a guy that has a ton of positive energy. Fun to be around. Does a great job throughout the week affecting the other players. He can play on all three downs, good match-up backer on pass coverage. And he’s a heck of a blitzer. He’s loose and slippery and a guy who weighs 235 pounds. Shemar continues to get better. Obviously overcome a lot with injury. We’re proud of him.”
TREY SMACK, K – SEC SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Smack had a perfect night, drilling all five of his kicks including a new career-long 55-yard field goal. His 3/3 performance on extra points continued his perfect 34/34 season on point after attempts.
In the second quarter, Smack nailed a 49-yard field goal to secure a 10-7 lead for the Gators. In the third quarter, trailing 13-10, Smack concluded Florida’s eight play drive with the 55-yard rocket to tie the game.