Florida head coach Billy Napier said this week that we would see both Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway at quarterback in Week 3 but did not give away who would start against Texas A&M. One former Gators head coach commented on the quarterback situation, and his opinion was not so controversial.
Former Florida head coach Steve Spurrier voiced his opinion on “Another Dooley Noted Podcast. ” He said he wasn’t sure who was going to start but insisted that DJ Lagway needed to play.
Former Florida Head Coach Spurrier Impressed With DJ Lagway in Week 2
Week 1 against Miami wasn’t easily forgettable for Florida fans, but the news that five-star true freshman DJ Lagway was to start in Week 2 gave them some interest in watching their team. After veteran Graham Mertz was knocked out of the Week 1 game late with a concussion, the protocol had him inactive for Samford last weekend, with Lagway announced as the starter.
Yes, it was against weak opposition from the FCS, but Lagway was solid, completing 72.0% of his passes for 456 passing yards and three touchdowns. He also has a few rush attempts in his locker. Former head coach Steve Spurrier was really impressed with his all-around game, especially the fact that he can make plays with his arm and legs.
Spurrier said on his podcast appearance, “The more I watch football nowadays if your quarterback can’t run a bit, I don’t know how you win.” The opinion has some legs, but we have seen plenty of pocket passes succeed in college football and at the next level. However, it is always a bonus if your quarterback is an excellent runner, something that Lagway offers.
Steve Spurrier on Florida true freshman QB DJ Lagway:
“I don’t know who’s going to start or whatever, but he needs to play.”
(via @pat_dooley)https://t.co/kjmm9Vgrnr pic.twitter.com/6J1rSG5ZD0
— On3 (@On3sports) September 13, 2024
When he came on for the concussed Mertz against Miami, Lagway was thrown in the deep end. After driving Florida to a touchdown, Lagway saw how fast the college game was. He got hit by the pass rush on a throw, causing a wobbly ball to be intercepted. The game moves a lot faster than in high school, something he learned quickly.
Florida head coach Billy Napier loved what he saw from the true freshman, calling him ‘unique’ and comparing him to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Is it enough for him to start a big conference game against Texas A&M?
Billy Napier Holding Cards Close to His Chest Regarding Quarterbacks
At the beginning of the week, Florida head coach Billy Napier said that we would see both Graham Mertz and DJ Lagway in some capacity vs. Texas A&M. How much each will play is anybody’s guess, with Napier not divulging that information. Most of the talk from the media and fans is that they want Lagway to start. However, the Florida head coach needs to get the decision right, not just to help keep his job security but also to ensure the wealth of his quarterbacks.
Yes, Lagway is exciting, but he is raw. Is throwing him into a baptism of fire against Texas A&M the best decision for Napier? He knows his mental state of mind. Would he be able to handle the pressure? It’s not a quarterback problem down in the Swamp; it’s much more than that. The offensive line play is questionable, and the defense is playing sub-par football.
The Florida head coach could throw him in, and it would likely give him more time at the helm, but will that come at the expense of halting progression for Lagway? I don’t know Napier personally, but he comes across as a player-first head coach. His decision on how to use Mertz and Lagway will be with winning the game at the forefront of his mind. However, don’t be surprised to see Mertz start this game if he thinks the situation is too much for Lagway.
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