The Gators, led by head coach Billy Napier, produced a top-ten-ranked class nationally last year. There were many prospects who looked well-oiled and brimming with potential, but we all know true freshman talents take some time to settle in, learn the intricacies of the offense, and mostly redshirt their first season. DJ Lagway’s plans were going to be quite similar last season, even though he was the first-ranked QB nationally. However, this quarterback was unlike others; he was always eager to take the field.
Lagway stepped up in the season and produced one of the most famous redemption stories of 2024. The QB started 7 games and turned back the program, which was reeling from Graham Mertz and Warner’s errors game after game. The Gators finished that season with an 8-5 overall record thanks to Lagway. No one had expected the true freshman QB to be this prolific, as he lost just one game and notched up 1,915 passing yards along with 101 rushing yards. The future sure looked bright, and the ceiling was sky-high. Yet, there was a slight problem.
Even prior to joining the Gators, Lagway experienced shoulder issues that occasionally caused him trouble. Last season, the quarterback faced significant limitations due to a variety of injuries, including a hamstring injury that forced him to leave the game against Georgia. That injury might have sidelined the QB for just one game against the Longhorns, but the shoulder injury looks more chronic.
According to Chris Gordy, an SEC insider and host of ‘Locked on SEC,’ DJ Lagway may have to undergo surgery to overcome his shoulder injury. “Matt Hayes had a report about it saying that they believe the shoulder injury is going to require surgery at some point”. Gordy even pointed out a grim scenario. “If he has to have the surgery now, he will not be ready for the start of the season because of the table time for recovery.“
The player would not undergo surgery now and has decided to rest the injury out. This was the reason we didn’t see him throw too much in the spring; moreover, with some hamstring issues, his involvement was scarce. Delaying surgery could worsen Lagway’s situation. As of now, Lagway’s inability to build chemistry with the offensive players and newcomers due to his non-appearance has become a concern. Moving forward, the aggravation of the injury in the absence of surgery would be another major concern throughout the 2025 season.
Billy Napier gives update on Lagway’s return
Multiple injuries have plagued Lagwar repeatedly, potentially putting him out of commission for the 2025 season. If that happens, the depth in the Gators’ QB room won’t be able to cope with Lagway’s absence. This is because the team currently has Aiden Warner, who we know failed to deliver in two crucial games against Georgia and the Longhorns. Another player is the recent incoming transfer, Harrison Bailey, from the Louisville Cardinals, but he isn’t of the same caliber as Lagway. Napier, now, provided the news for the Gators’ QB1’s return.
“We have no concern. We’ve dotted all the Is and crossed all the Ts,” Napier said. “We’ve been a little bit short-lipped, tight-lipped about it just in respect to the family and the way they want to handle it. But, in general, we have a really good plan. We’re working with exceptional people. And he’ll begin throwing here in a couple of weeks.”
Billy Napier would want this season to go smoothly without any injury concerns for DJ Lagway. Since entering this season, the head coach has been under pressure and would surely be fired, according to several reports, if he fails to deliver. In that scenario, relying on DJ Lagway would be too big of a gamble and too risky due to his shoulder injury. That being said, the young QB has shown incredible resilience to play in adverse conditions, and at 6’3″ and 239 lbs, he can stay durable if he wants. So, everything may not be lost for Billy Napier, after all.
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