Billy Napier ahead of spring camp: Florida football QB DJ Lagway to be ‘limited’ and more
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway will have limited participation in spring drills due to shoulder and lower body issues.
Lagway is expected to participate in all drills aside from throwing drills.
Lagway started 7 games as a true freshman in 2024, passing for 1,915 yards with 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.
Several other Florida players will also be limited during spring practice.
Florida football coach Billy Napier said quarterback DJ Lagway will be limited in drills this spring due to shoulder and lower body issues.
“Our intentions here are to be very smart,” Napier said. “I do think he’ll be limited in throwing activities, but he’ll participate in all practices otherwise. We’ve done a lot of homework with the things he went through as a player but he was an absolute warrior and a great competitor that showed toughness.
“In general, he will be able to do quite a bit, but they’ll be some limitations.”
Lagway, the 2023 Gatorade High School player of the year, cemented his role as the Florida Gators’ starting quarterback, going 6-1 as a starter and leading UF to four straight wins to close the 2024 season. As a true freshman, Lagway passed for 1,915 yards with 12 TDs to nine interceptions.
Lagway is among a handful of players who will be limited in spring game, a list that includes defesive tackle Caleb Banks (foot), defensive back Sharif Denson (foot), running back Chad Gasper (ACL recon), defensive back Aaron Gates (knee), cornerback Jamar Grimsley (knee), linebacker Grayson Howard (soft tissue) and cornerback Dijon Johnson (shoulder/back half).
“Bryce Thornton has an ankle,” Napier said. “Treyaun Webb is still on his way back from a lower leg injury and then Eugene Wilson III is still (returning) to play with the hip. A lot of these guys may participate in some form, and then we’ll have some that won’t be able to participate because of where they’re at relative to the surgery and return to play.”
Napier said Lagway’s limited status will give him the chance to focus more on mental reps as UF will look to expand the playbook for him.
“We’re going to be really intentional about how we design every practice for him. I think in terms of, like, we’ve even talked about letting him be the signal caller,” Napier said. “Like today in seven on seven, I think we’re going to let him walkie-talkie the play into the quarterback, and then give him some of that. You know, and certain periods he’ll be able to do more than others, right? So I think that’ll progress as we go in spring, but we’re going to challenge him.”
Billy Napier on Florida football OC Russ Callaway’s role in the offense
Napier remained vague in discussing Russ Callaway’s role in the offense, as he was promoted from tight ends coach and co-offensive coordinator to offensive coordinator a few weeks ago. Napier still appears intent on holding onto the play calling duties.
Callaway will remain working with the tight ends, Napier said, along with analyst John Donovan.
“Just being in front of players on a consistent basis, I thought he did a great job in that role last year,” Napier said. “And I think he’ll take on even more in this cycle. I’m excited about it. We certainly – Russ is deserving. I think he’s got the respect of the staff and respect of the players, and really one of the better young offensive minds I think in college football.”
Billy Napier on Florida football starting offensive line
Napier was asked if Bryce Lovett, who started at right tackle in UF’s bowl game against Tulane last season, could fill that role for the Gators and replace starting tackle Brandon Crenshaw-Dickson.
“Bryce will be the right tackle today, but Bryce could play all five,” Napier said. “We have a ton of confidence in him. Caden Jones, Devon Manuel, Fletcher Westphal, I would tell you that (T.J.) Dice and (Jamari) Medlock have been impressive so far.”
Napier also said Rod Kearney has moved from senior to guard and has been pleased with the development of redshirt freshman guard Jason Zandamela.
“All that group is headed in the right direction,” Napier said.
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