Freshman QB DJ Lagway starts for Florida against Samford

Florida rookie quarterback DJ Lagway will make his first career start at home against Samford on Saturday as starter Graham Mertz is out with a concussion.

Coach Billy Napier said during his press conference Wednesday that Mertz was unable to practice this week but is feeling better. Mertz was injured late in the third quarter of a 41-17 loss to Miami last weekend.

Lagway came into the game and led three series, including a touchdown drive where he showcased not only his talent with his arm but also his ability to make plays with his legs. He finished the game 3 of 6 passing for 31 yards, one interception and 20 yards on the ground.

Lagway, the No. 8 player in the ESPN 300 and the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year, has given Gators fans hope he can help turn things around by enrolling in January and participating in spring training.

Napier reiterated that despite the loss to Miami, he believes we have a chance to become a good football team as the season progresses.

Napier also clarified remarks he made earlier this week that were widely criticized, calling them “a terrible choice of words.” On Monday, when asked how to keep the Gators from reacting emotionally against Samford, Napier said his team just needs to be more consistent and play better and not focus on “what some guy in his basement in rural central Florida is saying on social media.”

The quote made big headlines on social media.

“I obviously didn't express myself the way I should have,” Napier said after practice on Wednesday. “I want to be very clear that … it wasn't a reference to our fans. I was just talking specifically about life in general. Our young people live in a time where social media is a part of their lives.”

This report uses information from the Associated Press.