Florida QB DJ Lagway Focuses on Recovery, Leadership During Spring Camp

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway continues to recover from a shoulder injury as the team progresses through spring camp. Head coach Billy Napier reported that Lagway is “getting back into his rhythm physically” but remains a limited participant in practice.

Lagway, who has been dealing with shoulder discomfort since early last season, has been participating part-time. “I think it’s important that we challenge him,” Napier said during a press conference on Thursday. “We still have to have a daily plan to keep him engaged. He’s communicating with the other quarterbacks and calling plays, which is healthy and allows him to see the game from a different perspective. He’s returning to form, but we’re cautious about his recovery process.”

While Lagway has worked in handoffs with running backs and simulated throws, he has not engaged in throwing drills with the team. His ongoing recovery includes management of a minor hamstring issue from the previous season. According to Napier, their focus will be on Lagway’s health, without rushing him back into full practice. “We’re being very safe throughout camp,” he added.

In Lagway’s absence, the Gators have focused on developing three other quarterbacks: transfer Harrison Bailey, freshman Tramell Jones Jr., and walk-on Aidan Warner, who served as Lagway’s backup last season. Napier praised the trio for their progress. “It provides a great opportunity for the other players. Aidan, Harrison, and Tramell are all getting significant reps and doing a really good job. There’s visible improvement among each of them,” he said.

Napier has yet to establish a timeline for Lagway’s return, but a spring break scheduled for March 23-29 will provide a brief pause before resuming practice.

In addition to his recovery efforts, Lagway has made headlines for his philanthropic contributions. On International Women’s Day, he announced a six-figure donation to Florida Victorious, the university’s partnered NIL collective, aimed at supporting women’s athletics programs, including gymnastics, women’s basketball, softball, and volleyball.

<p"Hard work is the lifeblood of everything we do. I see the dedication behind every pitch and every spike. Your passion pushes me to go harder every single day, and I want to show my appreciation for everything that they do," Lagway expressed in a video announcement. He encouraged others to contribute, highlighting the importance of supporting fellow athletes.

Lagway’s prominent partnerships include deals with Gatorade, Nintendo, Epic Games, and Leaf Trading Cards. He showcased his talent in a commercial for Gatorade and has recently appeared in promotional content for Nintendo and Epic Games.

Last season, Lagway threw for 1,915 yards with a 6-1 record as a starter, and as he enters his second season, the focus will be on his development as a vocal leader on the team. Napier remarked, “Growth and comfort can’t coexist. For Lagway, we are challenging him to step into a larger leadership role, navigating success while staying grounded and pushing for development. He is excited about the opportunity to lead.”

Tyler Miles, the Gators’ director of strength and conditioning, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for Lagway to be a vocal leader moving forward. “He leads by example, but now he’s got to embrace being vocally commanding on the field. This winter was an emphasis on that growth,” he said.

With a promising future ahead, Lagway is balancing his recovery with opportunities for leadership both on and off the field as the Gators look ahead in their spring preparations.