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Billy Napier affirms Florida’s starting QB after excellent DJ Lagway performance
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Billy Napier is doubling down on Florida quarterback Graham Mertz.
When asked about the team’s plan at the position Monday Napier affirmed that Mertz is the team’s starter moving forward. However, he also mentioned that freshman QB DJ Lagway – who played well Saturday against Samford – will be utilized.
Napier made sure to insist “both these guys will make us harder to defend.”
Billy Napier made it clear that Graham Mertz is Florida’s starting quarterback but the Gators intend to utilize DJ Lagway.
“Both these guys will make us harder to defend. We intend to use both of them.”
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) September 9, 2024
As you can imagine, many Florida fans are quite unhappy with that decision from Napier. Especially so after Lagway’s strong outing against Samford.
Lagway, a former 5-star prospect, threw for 456 yards and 3 touchdowns Saturday against the Bulldogs. He completed 18 of his 25 passing attempts with an average of 18.2 yards per completion. It was just Samford, sure, but Lagway showed some very real flashes.
Mertz has been average for the Gators under center, but his playstyle can be limiting. He’s not a running threat and his arm talent certainly has question marks. He struggled mightily against Miami before exiting the game with a concussion.
Moreover, Mertz is a 6th-year senior while Lagway still has his entire college career ahead of him. Why not move to the future when the talent is obviously there?
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
