Florida faces Samford with possible freshman QB DJ Lagway starting

Florida's football team is facing uncertainty as quarterback Graham Mertz may not play against Samford due to a concussion sustained in the previous game against Miami. Coach Billy Napier indicated that Mertz's status is still being evaluated, which opens the door for freshman DJ Lagway to potentially make his first start. Lagway, a highly regarded five-star recruit, has been with the team since January and has shown significant improvement in understanding the team's system. In the last game, Mertz struggled, completing only 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and throwing an interception before being sidelined. Lagway had limited playing time, leading the Gators to a touchdown and rushing for 20 yards in three series. His performance has given the coaching staff confidence in his abilities, and he is expected to take all first-team repetitions in practice leading up to the game. Napier emphasized the importance of preparation for all players, particularly backups, as injuries can occur at any time. He noted that Lagway should approach the week as if he will be the starting quarterback, which is crucial for building a strong team culture. The coaching staff believes that Lagway's experience and skills can help the team adapt their game plan if he is called upon to play. As the Gators prepare for their matchup against Samford, the focus will be on Lagway's readiness to step into a starting role, showcasing his talent and potential as a future leader for the team. The outcome of this game could significantly impact his development and the team's performance moving forward.