Florida Legend Sets Clear Expectations for DJ Lagway as He Returns From Injury

Florida Legend Sets Clear Expectations for DJ Lagway as He Returns From Injury originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway is back — and this time, he's healthy. After an offseason clouded by speculation about a shoulder injury, reports now clarify that the real issue stemmed from a lingering core muscle injury dating back to high school. It wasn’t his arm that kept him out of spring practice — it was precautionary, as the staff managed a hernia-related issue to prevent further strain on his throwing mechanics.

“I'll go back to your first question about his health,” said former Florida Gators quarterback Chris Leak during a recent "Crain & Company" podcast. “Holding him out during the spring was just precautionary. A lot of people talking about the shoulder ... the reports that I heard, it was more of some sort of hernia type issue … they were trying to rest and not have too much strain on the shoulder by having him throw when his midsection wasn't right.”

Lagway’s absence from spring practice was felt, especially when it comes to timing and chemistry with Florida’s retooled receiving corps. The Gators made serious moves this offseason, adding UCLA transfer J. Michael Sturdivant and signing dynamic high school talents Dallas Wilson and Vernell Brown. For any quarterback, especially a second-year player, that lost practice time can be critical.

“It is frustrating, though,” Leak continued. “You may have gotten him healthy, but you lost a lot of practice time … continuing to create more continuity with your offense as a whole for any quarterback is important. But a freshman quarterback who only played half the games last year? It definitely makes you a little nervous.”

Still, there’s optimism. Lagway, a former five-star recruit out of Willis, Texas, flashed his talent last season even while playing through a hamstring injury. He passed for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions after taking over the starting job early from a concussed Graham Mertz.

Lagway's physical tools remain off the charts. He’s 239 pounds, mobile, and has the arm strength to stretch the field. With a full offseason to recover and an upgraded supporting cast, the belief is that he could take a massive leap forward.

“People look at DJ Lagway and say, ‘Look how well he played last year with the hamstring injury… imagine what he's going to be like if he's actually healthy and gets a full season under his belt,’” Leak said. 

Keeping him upright will be the key, but expect Lagway to be more involved in the run game this fall, and that's something Florida fans haven’t seen at full speed yet. Head coach Billy Napier and the Gators have built the offense around him. Now, it’s Lagway’s time to deliver.

Three former Florida Gators have won the Heisman: Steve Spurrier (1966), Danny Wuerffel (1996) and Tim Tebow (2007). Could Lagway become the fourth?

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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.