Buzz Growing Around Florida Rising Star Amid Quarterback Controversy
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier finds himself in the middle of an unexpected quarterback dilemma. After starter Graham Mertz missed Week 2 with a concussion, freshman DJ Lagway stepped in and led the team to a dominant 45-7 victory over Samford, throwing for three touchdowns. Despite the win coming against a lesser opponent, Lagway’s impressive performance has sparked a wave of fans calling for him to be the Gators’ permanent starter. Mertz’s underwhelming Week 1 showing, where he threw for just 91 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in a loss to Miami (FL), has only fueled the controversy.
With a crucial Week 3 matchup against Texas A&M looming, Napier plans to utilize both quarterbacks. However, fans and analysts are rallying behind Lagway, arguing he should take the reins. Former NFL safety Roman Harper voiced his support on the ‘Paul Finebaum Show,’ citing Lagway’s superior arm strength, size, and athleticism as reasons for him to start over Mertz, whose main advantage is experience.
The sentiment has echoed across social media, with fans calling for Lagway to lead the team full-time. Legendary coach Steve Spurrier and NFL Draft analyst Joe DeLeone have also advocated for Lagway, with DeLeone stating, “Florida has to start him full-time.” Robert Griffin III joined the chorus earlier in the week, highlighting Lagway’s impressive debut and calling him “Florida’s best quarterback.”
There’s a growing consensus that Lagway should be Florida’s starting quarterback moving forward, but it remains to be seen if Napier will make the switch official.
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