Napier confident in DJ Lagway as Florida prepares for Kentucky matchup

Florida football is gearing up for what is expected to be a tough and physical game against the Kentucky Wildcats this Saturday night.

With freshman quarterback DJ Lagway taking over the offense after Graham Mertz’s season-ending ACL injury, the freshman will need to be prepared for whatever defense is thrown at him.

Head coach Billy Napier understands that the Wildcats defense is a tough group to have your offense play against.

“Ultimately, they’re creating a four-man rush and playing three-deep, four underneath and about dozens of different ways,” Napier said about Kentucky’s defensive scheme during Wednesday’s press conference.

“A lot of zone. Obviously, there’s some situational man coverage and then here come the five-man pressures, the six-man pressures, but overall, there’s a ton of height, length and verified speed on the field and they got some game-wreckers up front.”

Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops will likely throw multiple defensive looks towards Lagway and it’ll be crucial for the freshman to figure out the reads.

But, Napier did mention that Lagway’s ability to read defenses has been improving.

“He’s (Lagway) on a different planet,” Napier said. “I think the big thing is the puzzle; he’s got to put the puzzle pieces together – our concept, their concept, the more reps, the better anticipation that he can continue to move quicker and make better decisions. So he’ll get better every day.”

Napier also talked about how Mertz’s presence this season has been beneficial for Lagway in terms of preparation and observations.

“I think he’s had an opportunity to observe Graham (Mertz),” Napier said. “I think that’s been beneficial in terms of what that grind looks like, you know, from a film-study perspective, from a self-discipline, routine standpoint, and then ultimately, you know, the entire process in terms of meetings, walkthrough, arm care, pre-practice, post-practice, you know, how to kind of build momentum and put yourself in position where you can play with confidence, because you prepared the right way.”