GAINESVILLE — The Florida Gators’ spring game didn’t create a quarterback competition between incumbent Graham Mertz and five-star freshman DJ Lagway. It did, however, highlight some of their strengths on an idyllic afternoon at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
Here are four initial thoughts on the exhibition at the end of Billy Napier’s third spring.
DJ Lagway looked like a five-star freshman (in every sense)
Lagway looked like an early enrollee in the opening minutes. On his first snap, he faked a handoff, rolled right and fired an overthrown pass downfield that Ja’Keem Jackson batted away. Lagway took a sack — a relative term, given the standard prohibition of hitting quarterbacks in exhibitions — on Play 2, then overthrew Marcus Burke over the middle on Play 3.
Lagway rebounded in his second series when he split the defenders for a 22-yard touchdown pass to Aidan Mizell on third down. The Texas native finished off a two-minute drill at the end of the half with a 5-yard touchdown throw to Taylor Spierto.
In the third quarter, Lagway was sacked on a botched fake play, then threw a third-and-long interception with a forced pass that linebacker Mannie Nunnery picked off.
Lagway’s numbers through three quarters: 10 of 16 passing for 163 yards, nine carries for 4 yards.
As accomplished as Lagway was in high school, the jump to the SEC is still big. Lagway isn’t expected to challenge Mertz for the starting job this fall, but he is expected to see action in specialty packages or as a change-of-pace option. His showing Saturday suggests he’ll be ready for those limited roles in Year 1.
Graham Mertz, Tre Wilson keep connecting
Wilson, the Gaither High alumnus, was one of the brightest spots on last year’s team as a freshman. On Saturday, he showed why he’ll likely be the Gators’ top offensive skill player this season.
He caught all six of his first-half targets (including a pair of third-down conversions) for 111 yards. His 60-yard touchdown catch was one of the day’s best plays. Wilson was responsible for six of Mertz’s eight first-half completions.
The Gators’ hope for a better fall rest, in part, on the continuity and experience of Mertz at quarterback, plus the development of the receiving corps. Some questions remain unanswered, but the Mertz-Wilson connection looks like something Florida will highlight this season.
The defense has some new names to know
After years of substandard performances, the Gators’ defense must improve if Florida is going to make a bowl game. That depends on the development of returners and the success of newcomers.
Defensive back Asa Turner (a transfer who started 28 games at Washington) had a highlight-reel play in the first half with a diving deflection. Ja’Keem Jackson flashed, too, breaking up a pair of Lagway’s passes. He was a top-100 national recruit in the ‘23 class but didn’t make a major impact as a freshman. Another blue-chip signee from 2023, Sharif Denson, intercepted Mertz in the second half.
It’s risky to take too much away from turnovers in a spring game — what’s good for one side is inherently bad for the other. But the Gators’ 2023 defense ranked second-to-last nationally by forcing only seven turnovers. The fact that Florida’s defensive backs made some promising plays, then, was encouraging.
The Gators’ backfield is in good shape
Florida lost arguably its best offensive player in the offseason when Trevor Etienne transferred to rival Georgia. Even without him, Florida’s backfield remains a strength.
Four-star freshman Jadan Baugh racked up 60 yards on seven carries in the first half. Juco transfer Ja’Kobi Jackson had 62 yards through two quarters, too. Montrell Johnson didn’t have a major role but is proven (more than 1,600 yards through his first two seasons at UF).
Napier and his staff punched above their weight at Louisiana in finding, recruiting and developing NFL running backs (including Raymond Calais, one of the Bucs’ seventh-round picks in 2020). The Gators will miss Etienne, but the unit will be (at least) solid without him.
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