Lagway Working as Starter, Mertz Remains Sidelined, Gators Release Depth Chart
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 | Football, Scott Carter
UF head coach Billy Napier said Wednesday evening that starter Graham Mertz, injured in the 41-17 loss to Miami, remains in concussion protocol and has not practiced this week as the Gators prepare to face Samford on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
"Graham did not practice today,'' Napier said. "He is farther into the protocol and he's doing better, but he's hasn't quite passed the final test. He's doing better, but he's not quite there. So, as of now, DJ will start the game and then Clay [Millen] and Aidan [Warner] will be the backups."
Mertz was injured when he took a hard hit and his head slammed into the turf at the end of the third quarter. Lagway took over and finished 3 of 6 for 31 yards with an interception and 20 yards rushing.
"DJ's got a great attitude, obviously. He's excited, got a chance to play Saturday for the first time in his career," Napier said. "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 [Tuesday)\] and it's great to see the other players kind of rally around him. But, yeah, it's definitely a positive for him to be able to take advantage of those reps with the first team."
Following a relatively healthy preseason camp, Mertz isn't the only injury from the Saturday's loss. Transfer safety Asa Turner is not listed on the depth chart after leaving the game with a lower-body injury.
Lagway, a five-star signee from Willis, Texas, was the 2023 Gatorade National Player of the Year.
Napier remains confident in the Gators despite the 24-point defeat to the Hurricanes.
"I do think we have an opportunity to be a good football team as the season goes on,'' Napier said.
Meanwhile, a look at Florida's depth chart for Saturday's game against Samford:
