Following DJ Lagway’s standout performance in Florida’s win over Samford University on Saturday, Gators head coach Billy Napier announced Monday that he plans to use both quarterbacks this season. Graham Mertz, the Week 1 starter, missed the game against Samford due to a concussion, which allowed Lagway to get the start.
Napier said he has always intended to give Lagway as many snaps as possible in as many games as possible. He added that Lagway showed poise and composure all week leading up to the start and throughout the game against Samford, proving that he is ready.
“Our intention the entire time has been to play DJ in every game,” Napier said. “Obviously, he gets a little bit more experienced each week. And certainly, for him to have the opportunity to be the starter, prepare with the ones and then go play, and the way he did that — the poise, the composure — I just think it shows that he’s ready to do what we intend to do with him going forward.”
Napier highlighted the advantages of having both an experienced quarterback and one who is still developing, noting that their presence on the roster enhances the Gators’ offensive versatility and makes them more difficult to defend.
“It’s a blessing to have two really good quarterbacks and certainly one with a ton of experience and one without. But there’s no doubt both of these guys will make us harder to defend. We intend to use both of them.”
Gators Face Uncertainty at Quarterback
Mertz, on the other hand, completed 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and one interception in a 47-17 loss to the University of Miami in Week 1. It is important to note the difference in competition, as Miami is a much more formidable opponent than Samford.
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