DJ Lagway reveals best attribute as a quarterback ahead of Year 2 at Florida

The DJ Lagway era at Florida started much earlier than its staff expected it to when quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the Gators’ 23-17 overtime loss to Tennessee on Sept. 12 last season.

Lagway started the final seven games of the season for Florida, where he led the Gators to a 5-2 record with ranked victories over No. 22 LSU and No. 9 Ole Miss. In what was an extremely successful freshman campaign, the Willis, TX native totaled 1,915 passing yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Florida‘s starting quarterback revealed his best attribute as a signal caller ahead of his second year in Gainesville at this year’s SEC Media Days event.

“My best attribute as a quarterback is really just — I guess people would say — my aura, confidence and just the way I portray myself on gameday,” Lagway said. “My teammates always joke around and say that I’m a totally different person on gameday. That kinda oozes out of me and it’s great to be able to be that for my guys.”

Head coach Billy Napier shared the same sentiment as Lagway, as he also praised his character on gamedays at SEC Media Days.

“I think he’s really good on gameday,” Napier said. “And in general, he has great character. I think he’s really humble and I think he’s really engaged every part of the organization with the way he treats people. He’s a little more advanced from a maturity standpoint and I think his humility and desire to improve stand out.”

Billy Napier discusses Lagway’s progression at SEC Media Days

Along with discussing Lagway’s character, Napier gave an update on the quarterback’s offseason progression.

“DJ obviously last year was kind of forced into the lineup about halfway through the year,” Napier said. “He and I had this conversation — I think that he didn’t have time to think about anything. I think he was consumed with preparing for being at his best for the team. Now, after the season and bowl game, you get a chance to regroup a little bit.”

“So, obviously he’s very talented but to me we’re working on the skill level, fundamentals and techniques. We’re working on his knowledge and overall football IQ. I think one of the areas where he’s ahead of the game is as a competitor.”

Entering his second season at Florida (and first as the solidified starting quarterback), Lagway has brought upon high expectations. The Gators are projected to finish sixth in the SEC (T-highest preseason ranking since 2022), with Lagway tabbed as a potential Heisman Trophy sleeper.