Gators coach Billy Napier and freshman quarterback DJ Lagway during the first week of preseason camp. (Photo: Mallory Peak/UAA Communications)
Carter's Corner: Lagway Improves Amidst Constant Curiosity About Role
Friday, August 9, 2024 | Football, Scott Carter
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — If the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta is considering additional displays to celebrate the most insane sport in America, here's a suggestion: a permanent statue titled "The Backup Quarterback."
Place it right by the front door off Marietta Street — an instant selfie star.
He's almost always the most intriguing guy on any team, and the paying customers will all identify with the bronze backup through the lens of their fandom. To some, it's Tim Tebow behind Chris Leak. To others, Vinny Testaverde behind Bernie Kosar, Tom Brady behind Brian Griese, and Steve Young behind Jim McMahon.
The phenomenon is the same every year.
In Texas, Arch Manning could run for governor right now. They already love Ty Simpson in Tuscaloosa. And, of course, right here along University Avenue, a driver spotted a kid walking down the street in a No. 2 jersey this week. No offense to sophomore defensive back Ja'Keem Jackson or former Gators such as Dominique Easley or Bo Carroll, but we know who that No. 2 represented.
No. 2 on the roster and depth chart at quarterback: freshman DJ Lagway.
It's been a minute since a Gators newcomer has fired up the Orange & Blue faithful as much as Lagway, who received red-carpet treatment when he arrived on campus in January. None other than Emmitt Smith welcomed him to Gainesville.
Here we are seven months later, and some things have changed, some have not. Lagway has yet to record an official stat at Florida other than the spring game and practice. Off the field, he's adjusted to life as a college freshman. He took a trip to Japan and was featured in a Gatorade commercial. He makes regular appearances for Florida Victorious as part of his NIL deal.
In other words, he's growing up away from the cocoon of his hometown of Willis, Texas.
The same is true on the field.
"I had a conversation with him the other day coming off after practice one, and you say, 'I know that wasn't perfect, the practice day is never perfect, but just think about where you're at now compared to where you were at, you know, after spring number one,' " Gators coach Billy Napier said. "I think of all the things that we do with the quarterback throughout the summer. There's two 4D Gator lesson plans each week. They get them on Monday, they got to turn them in on Friday. The padding that the quarterback is required to do all throughout the summer. You know, he just jumped into that for the first time, and I think he made tremendous growth.
"He's getting better."
When the Gators talk about Lagway, that's the overriding theme. He is a better player than the one when he first arrived. He has learned the offense. He can read defenses better. He has improved his footwork. Everyone can see the natural ability the 6-foot-5, 239-pound Lagway has.
"He's a gamer. He's an athlete,'' offensive lineman Austin Barber said. "That's really all I can say. He's an athlete. He looks the part."
Lagway's addition behind veteran starter Graham Mertz has fans buzzing about a multi-quarterback attack led by Mertz's efficient passing and Lagway's dual-threat skills. Napier is taking a more cautious approach.
Mertz is the present, and Lagway is the future, but don't expect Lagway to be invisible in the present.
The Gators have plans for him, but they remain a mystery.
"He's still young, and he's taking reps with the second group of offensive players, which is a mixture of players,'' Napier said. "I've said many times I think sometimes the quarterback is dependent on the others around them to play well, and then, defensively, you're always a little bit ahead in the beginning [of camp] because it requires you to have to be very precise on offense and all 11 players to do what they're supposed to do. I think overall, I would say that as a whole, we need to make improvements in that area."
So, as the Gators prepare for their first scrimmage on Saturday and continue to get ready for the season opener against Miami on Aug. 31, Lagway has an opportunity to state his case for playing time like the rest of the roster.
How much he plays as a true freshman, his role, and whether he is ready to play are questions that will be answered once the season starts and the results matter.
But as "The Backup Quarterback" – a five-star prospect and Florida's most-hyped recruit since Tebow – Lagway is guaranteed to remain on everyone's mind because of the possibilities.
Barber was asked this week how often he gets asked about Lagway.
He smiled slyly before dropping back on the answer.
"Really, not a lot. I don't really get asked about him a bunch,'' Barber said. " In the beginning, I did a little bit, but now I don't really see a lot of people because we're in fall camp."
Fair enough.
But wait until the Gators break camp and Barber starts mingling with fellow students and friends other than his teammates. His membership in the What-Do-You-Think-of-DJ-Lagway Club will be renewed instantly.
Place it right by the front door off Marietta Street — an instant selfie star.
He's almost always the most intriguing guy on any team, and the paying customers will all identify with the bronze backup through the lens of their fandom. To some, it's Tim Tebow behind Chris Leak. To others, Vinny Testaverde behind Bernie Kosar, Tom Brady behind Brian Griese, and Steve Young behind Jim McMahon.
The phenomenon is the same every year.
In Texas, Arch Manning could run for governor right now. They already love Ty Simpson in Tuscaloosa. And, of course, right here along University Avenue, a driver spotted a kid walking down the street in a No. 2 jersey this week. No offense to sophomore defensive back Ja'Keem Jackson or former Gators such as Dominique Easley or Bo Carroll, but we know who that No. 2 represented.
No. 2 on the roster and depth chart at quarterback: freshman DJ Lagway.
It's been a minute since a Gators newcomer has fired up the Orange & Blue faithful as much as Lagway, who received red-carpet treatment when he arrived on campus in January. None other than Emmitt Smith welcomed him to Gainesville.
🏆 The 2024 USA TODAY HSSA National Offensive Football Player of the Year, DJ Lagway 🏈 🏆
— USA TODAY High School Sports Awards (@hssportsawards) August 7, 2024
Willis High School
Willis, Texas
🔗 Learn more here https://t.co/m1KCPn9wmL.#USATODAYHSSA #highschoolfootball pic.twitter.com/u2vcTnsm9C
Here we are seven months later, and some things have changed, some have not. Lagway has yet to record an official stat at Florida other than the spring game and practice. Off the field, he's adjusted to life as a college freshman. He took a trip to Japan and was featured in a Gatorade commercial. He makes regular appearances for Florida Victorious as part of his NIL deal.
In other words, he's growing up away from the cocoon of his hometown of Willis, Texas.
The same is true on the field.
"I had a conversation with him the other day coming off after practice one, and you say, 'I know that wasn't perfect, the practice day is never perfect, but just think about where you're at now compared to where you were at, you know, after spring number one,' " Gators coach Billy Napier said. "I think of all the things that we do with the quarterback throughout the summer. There's two 4D Gator lesson plans each week. They get them on Monday, they got to turn them in on Friday. The padding that the quarterback is required to do all throughout the summer. You know, he just jumped into that for the first time, and I think he made tremendous growth.
"He's getting better."
When the Gators talk about Lagway, that's the overriding theme. He is a better player than the one when he first arrived. He has learned the offense. He can read defenses better. He has improved his footwork. Everyone can see the natural ability the 6-foot-5, 239-pound Lagway has.
"He's a gamer. He's an athlete,'' offensive lineman Austin Barber said. "That's really all I can say. He's an athlete. He looks the part."
Lagway's addition behind veteran starter Graham Mertz has fans buzzing about a multi-quarterback attack led by Mertz's efficient passing and Lagway's dual-threat skills. Napier is taking a more cautious approach.
Mertz is the present, and Lagway is the future, but don't expect Lagway to be invisible in the present.
The Gators have plans for him, but they remain a mystery.
"He's still young, and he's taking reps with the second group of offensive players, which is a mixture of players,'' Napier said. "I've said many times I think sometimes the quarterback is dependent on the others around them to play well, and then, defensively, you're always a little bit ahead in the beginning [of camp] because it requires you to have to be very precise on offense and all 11 players to do what they're supposed to do. I think overall, I would say that as a whole, we need to make improvements in that area."
So, as the Gators prepare for their first scrimmage on Saturday and continue to get ready for the season opener against Miami on Aug. 31, Lagway has an opportunity to state his case for playing time like the rest of the roster.
How much he plays as a true freshman, his role, and whether he is ready to play are questions that will be answered once the season starts and the results matter.
But as "The Backup Quarterback" – a five-star prospect and Florida's most-hyped recruit since Tebow – Lagway is guaranteed to remain on everyone's mind because of the possibilities.
Barber was asked this week how often he gets asked about Lagway.
He smiled slyly before dropping back on the answer.
"Really, not a lot. I don't really get asked about him a bunch,'' Barber said. " In the beginning, I did a little bit, but now I don't really see a lot of people because we're in fall camp."
Fair enough.
But wait until the Gators break camp and Barber starts mingling with fellow students and friends other than his teammates. His membership in the What-Do-You-Think-of-DJ-Lagway Club will be renewed instantly.
Players Mentioned
OL
/ Football
DB
/ Football
QB
/ FootballAaron Chiles Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Damieon George Jr. Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Billy Napier Media Availability 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
Gator Insider presented by Talon Wealth 10-15-25
Wednesday, October 15
