Tue Sep 10 18:22:55 UTC 2024: ## Florida’s Five-Star Freshman Quarterback D.J. Lagway Shines in Collegiate Debut
**GAINESVILLE, FL** – Five-star recruit D.J. Lagway made a statement in his first collegiate start, leading the Florida Gators to a dominant 45-7 victory over Samford in Week 2. The true freshman quarterback, filling in for an injured Graham Mertz, showcased his exceptional talent, throwing for a school-record 456 yards and three touchdowns.
Lagway, who was the No. 1 quarterback prospect in the Class of 2024, completed 72 percent of his passes, averaging a remarkable 18.2 yards per attempt. His performance included six passes of at least 30 yards, demonstrating the explosive potential that made him a highly coveted recruit.
This impressive debut has already sparked questions about the starting quarterback position at Florida. Head coach Billy Napier, while acknowledging the plan to use both quarterbacks, was clearly impressed by Lagway’s performance, stating, “He is what we thought he was.”
Napier emphasized that both Lagway and Mertz, when healthy, will contribute to the team’s success. However, Lagway’s performance in his first start has created a strong case for increased playing time.
With a challenging schedule ahead, including matchups against top-ranked teams like Georgia and Texas, Florida may need to lean on the quarterback who can best lead them to victory. The D.J. Lagway era has begun, and his performance suggests a bright future for the young quarterback.
First Piper 