Florida football displayed one of the worst offensive performances under Billy Napier in week one vs Miami. The Gators tallied just 261 yards of total offense, the least amount of yards a Napier led UF team has logged with a starting quarterback at the helm.
With senior quarterback Graham Mertz out with a concussion, the Gators will turn to true freshman DJ Lagway, who will make his first collegiate start in week two vs Samford.
How can DJ Lagway make a positive impact on Florida’s offense?
His ability to extend plays
Lagway is a true dual-threat QB. His ability to extend plays is something Florida’s offense doesn’t have with Graham Mertz at QB. He provides Florida’s offense with a chance to make ‘off schedule’ plays, both in the run game and the pass game. Behind what appears to be a poor Gators’ offensive line, Lagway’s decision making will be tested. The most explosive offenses in college football have a quarterback that can extend plays with his legs.
Lagway will help the run game
Florida’s run game should improve with DJ Lagway at quarterback. If Florida’s offense implements read options (they should), opposing edge rushers will have to respect Lagway’s ability to run. If they don’t, Lagway has the athleticism to pull it and takeoff for a big gain.
Florida could also implement designed runs in short yardage situations. Although, I’m not sure the Gators are willing to let Lagway take more hits than he has to with their starting quarterback already out with a concussion.
Arm strength
Both Mertz and Lagway struggled with deep ball accuracy in fall camp, but Lagway’s arm strength is special. He has the ability to make any throw on the football field. His quick release will help Florida in the RPO game as well. Lagway can get the ball out quickly into his playmaker’s hands.
The Gators can run deep passing concepts and not have to worry if Lagway will have the arm strength to make the throw. He also has the ability to throw on the run to all parts of the field, which will come into play a ton with Lagway at QB.