Florida QB signee DJ Lagway named Gatorade National Player of the Year
After a monstrous senior season that saw him break numerous Texas high school state records, Florida Five-Star Plus+ quarterback DJ Lagway has added another award to his mantle.
On Friday, Lagway was named the Gatorade National Football Player of the Year. Former NFL star, Gators great and 1986-87 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Emmitt Smith surprised Lagway with the trophy at the University of Florida surrounded by Lagway’s family, coaches and teammates.
He beat out individual Gatorade player of the year winners from across the country for the honor, including fellow finalists Julian Lewis, a 2026 USC commit, and Five-Star Plus+ Alabama signee Julian Sayin.
In his 13 games this fall, Lagway completed 290 of his 402 pass attempts (72%), while throwing for more than 4,600 yards and 58 touchdowns. Lagway also rushed for 957 yards and 16 touchdowns on just 99 carries.
In addition to his on-field accolades, Lagway was also honored for his off-field efforts as well. He has volunteered locally at eldercare facilities, playing games and creating arts and crafts with the residents. He also has donated his time to a community food bank and as a public speaker at schools and churches in the area, speaking with younger students about what it takes to succeed in school as well as athletics.
Lagway committed to the Gators in December 2022 over USC, Texas A&M and a handful of others. And despite those schools making a late run at him during last month’s Early Signing Period, he inked with Florida as one of its highest-rated recruits over the past decade.
The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder is the No. 10 overall prospect in the 2024 class, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He ranks as the nation’s No. 2 quarterback and the No. 3 recruit in the state of Texas.
DJ Lagway Scouting Summary
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this about him as a prospect:
“Thickly-built quarterback prospect with one of the better combinations of arm talent and athleticism in the 2024 cycle. Has measured at around 6-foot-2.5, 230 pounds with a 9.5-inch hand. Tests as a good athlete in the combine setting. Flashes palpable arm strength, with the the ability to make throws to every level of the field. The ball pops out of his hand. Hits far hash throws with relative ease. Arm talent shines when forced to throw from multiple arm slots or off-platform. Makes some very impressive reactive plays. Efficient with his movements in the pocket and comfortable working outside the pocket. Owns some of the best mobility among top 2024 quarterbacks. Has quick feet and is able to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground.”