Florida starting quarterback DJ Lagway has a calf strain and is not practicing as the Gators’ fall camp kicks off.
Lagway is wearing a walking boot after he hurt his lower leg during a team run last week, Gators Online reported.
Coach Billy Napier did not have a timetable for Lagway’s return when he spoke to reporters Tuesday. Napier said Lagway is day-to-day and showing improvement from a week ago.
“In general, he’s made a lot of quick progress, but it will be something that we’re monitoring,” Napier said. “Hopefully as we go, his ability to participate in practice will be a little bit more with each opportunity that we get going forward.”
It’s the latest health setback for a former five-star quarterback expected to be in the Heisman Trophy discussion this year.
Lagway could not throw during Florida’s spring practices due to a shoulder injury. He said at Southeastern Conference media days earlier this month that he’d be a full participant in fall camp — which was before his latest injury.
“Injuries are one of the tougher things about the profession, and certainly for him being a Year Two player and a really motivated and hungry guy,” Napier said. “So I think he’s done a good job staying connected. I think he still has a voice as a leader. He’s still walking the halls. He’s still able to be a factor in that regard.
“But he’s still a very young player and needs these reps for development as well. When he gets back, he’ll be just fine.”
Lagway was named a freshman All-American in 2024 after throwing for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns and nine interceptions in 12 games. He completed 59.9 percent of his passes as he took over as the starter from Graham Mertz midseason.
Lagway was the No. 1 quarterback in the high school Class of 2024 and the No. 3 overall prospect, according to the 247Sports composite.
The Gators open the season Aug. 30 against FCS Long Island.
–Field Level Media
