Florida will likely be without quarterback Graham Mertz for their game against Samford on Saturday night, giving highly-regarded freshman DJ Lagway a chance to make his first career start.
Mertz was taken out of last week’s 41-17 loss to No. 19 Miami in the third quarter due to a concussion. Coach Billy Napier said Mertz missed his third straight practice on Wednesday and is expected to be unavailable for the game against Samford.
“He’s doing better, but he’s not quite there yet,” Napier said. “So as of now, DJ will start the game.”
Mertz, who transferred from Wisconsin, had a tough game in his second season with the Gators. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and threw an interception.
Lagway led the Gators to a touchdown and had an interception in three series of play. He also ran for 20 yards. Now he might get a full game to gain experience and possibly secure more playing time for the rest of the season.
“I want to see clean football,” Napier said. “I want to see him lead the team, execute our offense, be the point guard, distribute the ball, take what the defense gives you, throw completions, create explosives when presented with opportunities, be a great communicator, respond to success, and adversity throughout the game and ultimately prepare in a way that reflects the vision for what you want to accomplish on Saturday.
“He was sharp today.”
Lagway, from Willis, Texas, was a five-star recruit and the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year. He was ranked as the top quarterback in the country.
During his senior year at Willis High, he threw for 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns and also led his team in rushing with 957 yards and 16 touchdowns. “He’s got a good look in his eye,” Napier said.
The Gators will also be missing four defensive starters against Samford: defensive tackle Joey Slackman, safety Asa Turner, cornerback Devin Moore, and nickel cornerback Sharif Denson.
