Florida QB DJ Lagway to start against Samford with Mertz injured
- Graham Mertz is out with a concussion, missing his third practice ahead of the game against Samford.
- DJ Lagway, a five-star freshman, will make his first career start in Mertz's absence.
- The game against Samford is a crucial opportunity for Lagway to gain experience and showcase his skills.
Florida's quarterback Graham Mertz is sidelined due to a concussion sustained during a recent game against No. 19 Miami, where he struggled, completing only 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and an interception. Coach Billy Napier confirmed that Mertz missed his third consecutive practice, making it unlikely for him to play against Samford. This situation paves the way for freshman DJ Lagway to make his first career start, a significant opportunity for the highly regarded prospect from Texas. Lagway, a five-star recruit and the 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year, had an impressive high school career, throwing for over 4,600 yards and 58 touchdowns while also leading in rushing with 957 yards and 16 touchdowns. His performance in limited action so far included a touchdown drive and an interception, along with 20 rushing yards. Coach Napier expressed his expectations for Lagway, emphasizing the importance of executing the offense and leading the team effectively. In addition to Mertz, Florida will also be missing four defensive starters against Samford, which could impact the team's overall performance. The absence of key players on both sides of the ball raises questions about the Gators' ability to compete effectively in the upcoming game. This matchup against lower-division Samford presents Lagway with a chance to gain valuable experience and potentially secure more playing time for the remainder of the season. The coaching staff is hopeful that Lagway will rise to the occasion and demonstrate his capabilities as a leader on the field.