Billy Napier gives update on QB situation ahead of Florida’s Week 2 matchup
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Billy Napier gave a short update on Florida’s quarterback situation during his weekly press conference on Monday.
Quarterback Graham Mertz will not practice on Monday, Napier confirmed. He’s still recovering from a concussion he suffered in the Gators’ loss to Miami in Week 1.
Given his absence, Napier said that DJ Lagway will take first-team reps with the offense on Monday.
Graham Mertz will not practice today.
DJ Lagway will take first team reps.
— Nick Marcinko (@marcinko_nick) September 2, 2024
Napier didn’t rule out a return for Mertz later this week. However, he said he’s confident in Lagway if the true freshman needs to be the one who starts for the Gators on Saturday against Samford.
Lagway relieved Mertz in the second half of Florida’s loss to Miami. He completed 3-of-6 passes for 31 yards and threw 1 interception against the Canes. He also led Florida on a 9-play, 58 yard touchdown drive in the 4th quarter.
Lagway arrived in Gainesville this offseason as the presumptive quarterback of the future for the Gators. A 5-star prospect, Lagway was the No. 7 overall player in the country for the class of 2024, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Florida’s Week 2 matchup against Samford is its only game all season that is not against a power-4 opponent. The Gators will begin SEC play in Week 3 against Texas A&M.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
