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Freshman DJ Lagway expected to make first career start for Gators

Untitled designby: Nick de la Torre09/04/24delatorre
Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs with the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 31, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway (2) runs with the ball against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Gators planned to work true freshman quarterback D.J. Lagway in slowly but one week into the 2024 season the plan has changed. Lagway will make the first start of his career on Saturday in place of injured senior quarterback Graham Mertz.

Mertz left Florida’s loss to Miami in the fourth quarter with a concussion, allowing Lagway to make his first career appearance. The dual-threat quarterback completed 3-of-6 passes for 31 yards and added 20 yards on the ground. The Gators’ offense certainly will look different with Lagway starting.

“It’s also been exciting for our offensive staff because they’re a little bit different type of players,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said. “So scripting is unique and a lot of fun because you’ve kind of got a guy who’s a veteran player who has a thorough understanding of the system that maybe isn’t the same type of athlete. But, you’ve got this young up-and-comer who’s very athletic that maybe doesn’t have quite the experience.”

Florida Gators legend Tim Tebow heaps praise on DJ Lagway

Tim Tebow knows the pressure that comes from being the starting quarterback at the University of Florida. As a freshman, Tebow had the opportunity to play behind Chris Leak as the Gators went on to win the 2006 National Championship. Tebow would go on to have one of the most decorated college football careers in history.

Tebow was in Gainesville on Saturday with the SEC Nation crew and was asked about Lagway.

“DJ Lagway, our freshman quarterback. I think he’s extremely special,” Tebow said. “It’s not to take away from Graham, because I think Graham is the leader of the team. But I think DJ can step in and help in a lot of areas and I think give d-coordinators a couple of nightmares.”

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