The Florida Gators are already making a giant change after their season-opening loss, albeit one enforced by damage.
Senior quarterback Graham Mertz is out of the group’s upcoming recreation in opposition to FCS Samford on account of a concussion, head coach Billy Napier introduced Wednesday. Which means five-star true freshman DJ Lagway will make his first profession begin.
“DJ’s acquired an incredible perspective, clearly. He’s excited, acquired an opportunity to play Saturday for the primary time in his profession,” Napier confirmed, via Jacob Rudner of 247Sports. “Simply to get suggestions about that and now perceive what it’s like on the market as a competitor. To this point, so good.”
The Gators actually didn’t plan on making this transformation, a minimum of not at this level. Regardless of that, it should most likely excite Florida followers. Mertz was the starter for a 5-7 Florida group final season and didn’t look poised to take a major step ahead in 2024. Lagway, nonetheless, is a five-star recruit who was ranked as the highest prep quarterback within the 2024 class. He’s a real freshman and really uncooked, however after a 41-17 blowout by the hands of Miami, Gator followers are determined for some upside.
Napier is under increasing pressure as Florida coach. Lagway will should be nice to alleviate a few of that.