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GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators’ spring game didn’t create a quarterback competition between incumbent Graham Mertz and five-star freshman DJ Lagway. It did, however, highlight some of their strengths on an idyllic afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Here are four initial thoughts on the exhibition at the end of Billy Napier’s third spring.
DJ Lagway looked like a five-star freshman (in every sense)
Lagway looked like an early enrollee in the opening minutes. On his first snap, he faked a handoff, rolled right and fired an overthrown pass downfield that Ja’Keem Jackson batted away. Lagway took a sack — a relative term, given the standard prohibition of hitting quarterbacks in exhibitions — on Play 2, then overthrew Marcus Burke over the middle on Play 3.
Lagway rebounded in his second series when he split the defenders for a 22-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell on third down. The Texas native finished off a two-minute drill at the end of the half with a 5-yard touchdown throw to Taylor Spierto.
In the third quarter, Lagway was sacked on a botched fake play, then threw a third-and-long interception with a forced pass that linebacker Mannie Nunnery picked off.
Lagway’s numbers through three quarters: 10 of 16 passing for 163 yards, nine carries for 4 yards.
As accomplished as Lagway was in high school, the jump to the SEC is still big. Lagway isn’t expected to challenge Mertz for the starting job this fall, but he is expected to see action in specialty packages or as a change-of-pace option. His showing Saturday suggests he’ll be ready for those limited roles in Year 1.
Graham Mertz, Tre Wilson keep connecting
Wilson, the Gaither High alumnus, was one of the brightest spots on last year’s team as a freshman. On Saturday, he showed why he’ll likely be the Gators’ top offensive skill player this…
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Author : Tampa Bay Times, St. Petersburg, Fla.
Publish date : 2024-04-13 19:29:00
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