Florida turning to QB DJ Lagway against Samford with Graham Mertz sidelined with a concussion

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida expects to be without quarterback Graham Mertz against lower-division Samford on Saturday night, opening the door for highly touted freshman DJ Lagway to make his first career start.

Mertz was knocked out of last week’s 41-17 home loss to No. 19 Miami in the third quarter with a concussion. Coach Billy Napier said Mertz missed a third consecutive practice Wednesday and is unlikely to be cleared in time to play against the Bulldogs.

“He’s doing better, but he’s not quite there yet,” Napier said. “So as of now, DJ will start the game.”

Mertz, a former Wisconsin starter, had his worst game in two seasons with the Gators. He completed 11 of 20 passes for 91 yards and an interception.

Lagway led the Gators to a touchdown and threw an interception in three series of work. He also ran for 20 yards. Now he could get the entire game to gain experience and possibly earn more playing time the rest of the season.

“I want to see clean football,” Napier said. “I want to see him lead the team, execute our offense, be the point guard, distribute the ball, take what the defense gives you, throw completions, create explosives when presented opportunities, be a great communicator, respond to success and adversity throughout the game and ultimately prepare in a way that reflects the vision for what you want to accomplish on Saturday.

“He was sharp today.”

Lagway was a five-star prospect from Willis, Texas. The 2023 Gatorade Player of the Year was the consensus No. 1 QB in the country. He threw for 4,604 and 58 touchdowns as a senior at Willis High. He also led the team in rushing with 957 yards and 16 scores.

“He’s got a good look in his eye,” Napier said.

The Gators also will be without four defensive starters against Samford: defensive tackle Joey Slackman, safety Asa Turner, cornerback Devin Moore and nickel cornerback Sharif Denson.

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