Billy Napier confident in growth of DJ Lagway, ability to bounce back from injury setbacks

A growing storyline coming into this season continues to be the health of Florida QB DJ Lagway as he’s dealing with another injury going into the Gators’ fall camp. That has complicated things further for him but, with what else they’ve done this offseason, Billy Napier doesn’t doubt his quarterback will be ready when he does take the field.

Napier discussed the impact of Lagway’s injuries, a calf matter now after dealing with a shoulder issue in the spring and others during and coming out of his freshman season, at his press conference on Tuesday. It’s obviously not the best circumstances for anyone as Lagway misses portions of when he should be practicing but Napier appreciates how he has handled it to this point.

“I think, look. Injuries are one of the tougher things about the profession,” said Napier. “And certainly for him, being a year-two player, and a really motivated and hungry guy, you know…You know, he’s still a very young player, needs these reps for development as well.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s not ideal. I mean, in a perfect world, he would have been perfect every day of the offseason, right. So, I think the good thing is his attitude towards it. I think that’s a positive.”

Lagway has received hype for this season coming off making a dozen appearances, seven being starts, last year for Florida. He would post 59.9% completion for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions as the Gators went undefeated in the six starts that he completed from start to finish.

However, these injuries for Lagway have already affected him in his short career and now coming into his first full offseason. That has forced him to take on roles besides just on the field and the staff to be flexible in how they prepare him when they’ve been able to for his sophomore year.

“I think he has done a good job staying connected,” Napier said. “You know, I think he still has a voice as a leader. He’s still walking the halls. He’s still able to be a factor in that regard.

“I think Coach O’Hara has done a good job of being creative. This room, in particular, we’ve used quite a bit, going all the way back to when he first arrived. And then, you know, just ways to keep him connected, keep him processing. We do a ton of things in our offseason program. And, certainly, OTAs this summer? Yow know, he was able to take a million reps. We do some of that without a ball, some with a ball.”

These injuries are a continued concern when it comes to Lagway. That leaves it to Florida to take as much care of him as they can between now and the start of the season that’s a month and a day away.

“When he gets back, you know, he’ll be just fine,” said Napier. “I mean, he has had a great attitude towards it and I think we’ve got to help him manage expectations a little bit as well. But, in general, I think, one day at a time, being present and executing the plan for each day. I think we’ve got to help him with that.

“He’s in year two. He, I think, understands what’s required to be ready. It’s not ideal but I think, ultimately, you know, we’ll come up with the best plan we can to have him ready.”