Steve Sarkisian offers his impressions of DJ Lagway at Florida

Steve Sarkisian knows Florida QB DJ Lagway can make a massive impact and beat you before you blink. The Texas coach called it a challenge to face the Gators’ signal caller this weekend as the Longhorns come off a bye week.

Lagway and Florida, in reality, have seen ups and downs this season. Texas has rebounded since the season opener at Ohio State and could really send the Gators spiraling with a win.

But Sarkisian didn’t want his team to overlook Lagway and the skill that’s on the Florida offense.

He recruited Lagway after all, so he sees something special. Lagway did say that the Florida offense is bound to pop any moment.

“He’s a very talented player,” Sarkisian said. “Obviously we recruited him really hard coming out of high school out of Willis. And had a fantastic high school career. I don’t think the agenda was to play him as a true freshman, right? They had a transfer who ended up getting injured and DJ steps in. I think he goes six or 7-1 as a true freshman starting quarterback.

“High expectations coming back. And probably hasn’t gone the way, you know, he, Coach Napier, everybody would have liked. But what I do know is the competitor and the talent is still in there. And so we better be mindful and better be ready to get the best version of DJ Lagway.” 

In four games this season, Lagway has 690 yards, five touchdowns, six interceptions and a 67.5% completion percentage. He’s projected to pass his yards and touchdown totals, but his interception number currently is a little alarming.

Billy Napier is under the gun now that he’s in Year 4 as Florida’s head coach. Napier even acknowledged Texas has an identity, something Florida might still be searching for.

“I know the competitor that he is,” Sarkisian said. “I know the coach that Billy is. And they’ve been scheming people up. They just maybe haven’t been hitting them here the first few games, but they’re going to attack us and they’re going to attack us down the field, multiple shifts and motions and things. And so gotta do a great job stopping the run, but we better be cautious and aware of them throwing the ball down the field.”

No. 9 Texas (3-1) hits the road this weekend and will take on Florida in Gainesville (1-3) Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET.