The papers are signed and Gator Nation is counting down the days until DJ Lagway gets on campus, but first, he will wrap up his high school career at the Under Armour All-America Game on Saturday.
Lagway has been in Orlando all week practicing with Team Fire, and he’s wowed nearly everyone in attendance. Here’s what On3 director of scouting and rankings Charles Power had to say about Lagway on Sunday.
“DJ Lagway entered the week as the clear headliner among the quarterback group. Through two days he’s lived up to that billing as the top arm in Orlando,” Power said. “… He looks to have the livest arm in attendance. The ball jumps out of his hand. Lagway is able to get the ball downfield when targeting vertical routes with ease. He had a number of impressive throws in 1-on-1’s on Sunday, putting the ball on the money while throwing to a talented wide receiver group for Team Fire.”
Lagway has also broken off big runs during practice, but there are still gaps in his game. Power said that Lagway’s mechanics lack consistency, but that is expected with incoming true freshmen.
Florida commit D.J. Lagway (@DerekLagway) checks us in for another practice 🐊
Been an impressive week so far, he’s look to keep it rolling #UANext pic.twitter.com/KDKibTFsCE
— The Underclassman Report (@TheUCReport) January 1, 2024
When Lagway takes the field on Saturday, it will be his last time starting a game for a while. Graham Mertz is returning to Florida for one more year, which could mean Lagway ends up redshirting behind him.
Still, the blue-chip signal caller says his goal is to compete for the starting job as quickly as possible.
“I see myself as a program changer and I think I can help do the same things at Florida,” Lagway said to Swamp247. “I can honestly see the vision coach Napier has and the plan he has for me. That’s what kept me locked in this whole year.”
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