The Florida Gators are making a significant change at quarterback following their season-opening loss, although it’s due to an injury. Senior quarterback Graham Mertz will miss the upcoming game against FCS Samford after suffering a concussion, head coach Billy Napier revealed on Wednesday. In his place, five-star true freshman DJ Lagway will make his first career start.
“DJ has a great attitude and is excited to play for the first time in his career on Saturday,” Napier said, according to Jacob Rudner of 247 Sports. “He’s gotten some feedback and now understands what it’s like out there as a competitor. So far, so good.”
DJ Lagway
While the Gators didn’t anticipate making this switch so early, fans will likely be eager to see what Lagway can do. Mertz, who led a 5-7 Florida team last season, hadn’t shown much progress heading into 2024. Lagway, on the other hand, is a highly-touted five-star recruit and the top-rated quarterback in the 2024 class. Though still raw, Gators fans are hoping for a spark after a 41-17 blowout loss to Miami. Napier, feeling the heat as head coach, will need Lagway to step up and deliver.
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