Billy Napier's development of Anthony Richardson an eye-opener to 5-star QB DJ Lagway
The Gators are soaking up the headlines right now, as former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson was selected No. 4 overall by the Indianapolis Colts. He is the highest-drafted Gators quarterback since Steve Spurrier went third overall to the San Francisco 49ers in the 1967 NFL Draft.
And due to the non-stop hype surrounding recruiting, fans waste little time looking ahead to what’s next as well. As for those supporting the Gators, that is even more understandable.
DJ Lagway, a five-star quarterback from Willis (Texas) High, is the headliner of UF’s top-five class. The On3 Industry Ranking labels him the No. 3 quarterback and No. 23 prospect regardless of position. He is viewed as the future of the position in Gainesville.
Shortly after Richardson came off the board, Gators Online spoke with the elite signal caller about his thoughts on Billy Napier and Ryan O’Hara developing a first-round quarterback.
“I think really highly on their development; that was a main reason I chose the Gators, but I’m really excited for AR. I can’t wait. Hopefully, one day I’ll be in his shoes,” Lagway told me.
On3 Biography of DJ Lagway
Already thought of as one of the elite playmakers in the Lone Star State, DJ Lagway developed into one of the top quarterbacks in the entire country during his junior season of high school. Lagway did that by embracing a coaching change going into the 2022 season.
Lagway bought into the new offensive system from Trent Miller – a more wide-open passing attack that relies on the quarterback to make quick decisions. The hard work paid off as Lagway threw for 2,081 yards and 24 scores in 2022. He also completed 67% of his passes, which was up from 55% in his sophomore season.
“The freakish stats weren’t there. DJ was concerned about being labeled as an athlete and being recruited by his potential,” Miller told On3. “He wanted to focus on his craft as a quarterback. I’ve been coaching for 15 years, and he’s the most talented quarterback and most quality young man I’ve been around. He’s the whole package if you put it all together. I’ve never been around a kid who wants it more for himself and also his whole team.”
Away from football, Lagway enjoys playing basketball and baseball. He plans to major in sports medicine in college. Lagway’s parents are Nikita and John Derek Lagway. Lagway’s father played running back for Baylor from 1997-2001 under coaches Dave Roberts and Kevin Steele.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
