Starting quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a concussion late in the 3rd quarter of Florida’s week one loss to Miami on Saturday. Head Coach Billy Napier confirmed that Mertz will not practice on Monday and that DJ Lagway will be taking first team reps.
“We are checking boxes in protocol,” Napier said. “We’re going to go practice today. Obviously DJ will be taking those reps.”
Lagway entered the 2024 season as Florida’s backup quarterback, a tall task for any true freshman, especially in the SEC. The Willis, Texas native got his number called when Mertz went down, connecting on three of six passes for 31 yards while adding a 16-yard run to the stat sheet. Lagway led Florida to a 4th quarter touchdown on his second drive of the game, which included a pair of perfect slant passes to Eugene Wilson and a scramble on 3rd and 10 for a first down.
“I think DJ did a phenomenal job coming in as a freshman under the lights. I thought he did really well,” offensive lineman Austin Barber said. “He prepared like no other, like he was the starting quarterback. I think he went out there and showed what he can do. I’m happy for him. I know it’s hard being a freshman, but he went out there and performed and did well. I’m happy for him.”
Running back Montrell Johnson sensed Lagway’s sense of maturity on the football field last Saturday.
“I learned that he’s very mature. Coming on the field, talking to him throughout drives. He knows what is going on out there. He’s very mature with his communication and stuff like that. He made me proud,” Johnson said on Lagway’s debut at UF.
Lagway now has to prepare as Florida’s starting quarterback vs Samford, as Mertz is considered questionable to play in week two.
“I’ve got a ton of confidence in DJ. We’ve had him since January,” Napier said on Lagway. “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? There’s an advantage there that maybe you wouldn’t have had a year ago.”
WR Eugene Wilson believes Lagway’s unique skillset could play a factor the rest of the season.
“Everything he do is just smooth, it just seems effortless, cool, calm, collected. I feel like a lot of that dynamic will be able to play a factor the rest of the season.”
You could see a different Florida offense in week two as the Gators’ staff will aim to call plays relative to Lagway’s experience and strengths.
“I think we would play a brand of football that reflects his experience and his strengths, right,” Napier said. “No different than we do each week.”
If Lagway does make his first collegiate start, it will be the first time a Florida true freshman quarterback started a game since Treon Harris in 2014.