Florida turns to QB DJ Lagway against Samford

GAINESVILLE, Florida. – Florida hopes to be without quarterback Graham Mertz against lower-division Samford on Saturday night, opening the door for highly touted freshman DJ Lagway to make his first career start.

Mertz sat out last week’s 41-17 home loss to No. 19 Miami in the third quarter because of a concussion. Coach Billy Napier said Mertz missed his third straight practice Wednesday and is unlikely to be cleared in time to play against the Bulldogs.

“He’s getting better, but he’s not quite fit yet,” Napier said. “So from now on, DJ will start the game.”

Mertz, a former Wisconsin starter, had his worst game in two seasons with the Gators. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and one interception.

Lagway led the Gators to a touchdown and threw an interception on three drives. He also ran for 20 yards. He could now play the entire game to gain experience and possibly earn more playing time 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 advantage of what the defense gives you, throw complete passes, create explosive plays when opportunities present themselves, be a great communicator, respond to success and adversity throughout the game and ultimately prepare in a way that reflects the vision of what he wants to accomplish on Saturday.

“He was very sharp today.”

Lagway was a five-star prospect from Willis, Texas. The 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year was the consensus No. 1 quarterback in the country. He threw for 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns as a senior at Willis High. He also led the team in rushing with 957 yards and 16 scores.

“He’s got a good look,” Napier said.

The Gators will also be without four defensive starters against Samford: defensive tackle Joey Slackman, safety Asa Turner, cornerback Devin Moore and nickel cornerback Sharif Denson.

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