This Florida Gators college football season hinges on the play of quarterback DJ Lagway. A highly heralded recruit, he showed flashes of his potential when thrust into action. The key to this entire season is his health. Last season, he tweaked his hamstring against the Georgia Bulldogs, missing the next game as a result. Although he did finish out the season, he was forced to miss the Orange and Blue Game with a nagging shoulder issue. The Gators must make sure this position room is ready for anything. With four quarterbacks ready to go at any point, this room is much deeper than last season. Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, and therefore, all four quarterbacks must prepare each week. If Lagway goes down, the Gators must feel that they still have a chance to compete in the SEC.
Quarterbacks Ready When Called Upon?
Future of the Program
There is no question that Lagway is the focal point of this entire program. The leader of this Gators position group, he enters the season fresh off a promising freshman campaign. After the injury to starter Graham Mertz, Lagway took over as the full-time number one. He started in and finished out six games of the season (he started the Georgia game but was injured). Throwing for 1915 yards and 12 touchdowns, it was evident that the talent was there. A big player, he is listed at 239 pounds and is a true threat to run the football. Hampered by his hamstring issue, he was not at full strength, unable to fully take off in the rushing department. One thing he must clean up next season is the turnovers. Lagway threw nine interceptions, including two in the bowl game. This season hinges on his development and ability to stay healthy.
Veteran Backup
After struggling with depth at the quarterback position, the Gators went and dipped into the transfer portal. Former Louisville, UNLV, and Tennessee quarterback Harrison Bailey decided to make Gainesville his home for his sixth season of football. The primary backup for Louisville, he got his chance to showcase his skills in their bowl game. Throwing for three touchdowns in the win against Washington, Bailey showed he can be reliable when called upon. Fighting for the second-string spot, he performed well during Spring Practice. A true veteran, he can be counted upon if Lagway were to ever go down.
Thrown into the Fire
A transfer from Yale, Aidan Warner, was thrown into the fire late in the season. Coming into the season, the freshman was not expected to see the field. However, due to copious injuries among the Gators’ quarterbacks, he was forced into action. Finishing out the game against Georgia, he performed valiantly, keeping Florida competitive until the end. The next week, he was tasked with starting against the Texas Longhorns in an away game. Unfortunately, this game did not go as well, with Warner struggling mightily amidst a blowout loss. He failed to throw a single touchdown last season and finished up with three interceptions. After his performance, Florida decided to bolster its quarterback room for the next season. Warner competed well in the Spring, looking much more comfortable in Billy Napier’s offense. Although he likely won’t see the field, he now has the experience if ever called upon.
Waiting His Turn
To address the quarterback position for the future, the Gators locked in 2025 recruit Tramell Jones Jr. One of the top quarterbacks in this year’s recruiting cycle, he flipped his commitment from Florida State to the Gators. Coming out of Jacksonville, Jones has the chance to wait his turn behind Lagway. The key to this season for Jones will be his development. Although he was a highly touted recruit, college football is an entirely different playing field, especially in the SEC. This is Lagway’s team for the foreseeable future, which gives Jones nothing but time. There is a reason Florida wanted to bring him in, and it wasn’t to simply sit on the bench his whole career. Jones comes into a great situation where he gets the chance to learn from one of the top quarterbacks in the country. After he waits his turn, he should be SEC-ready.
Final Thoughts
Just like almost every college football team in America, the Gators’ dreams rest on their quarterback. Lagway has the chance to put together a special season. With SEC experience now under his belt, he knows the expectations he must meet. With an unfortunate injury history, Florida went and prepared in case Lagway goes down. A now deep quarterback room, Florida has some veteran talent ready to step in when necessary. The four deep position group went from a weakness to a strength over the offseason. Although this is undeniably Lagway’s team, the Gators found out last year that depth is essential to making a playoff run. With three starting-caliber players behind Lagway, Florida should feel much more secure than last season. This team has a chance to be a real threat in the SEC. If Lagway can stay healthy and build off last season, the sky is the limit.
Main Image: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
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