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  • Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway Opens Fall Camp Limited By A Calf Injury, Status Day-To-Day

Florida Gators QB DJ Lagway Opens Fall Camp Limited By A Calf Injury, Status Day-To-Day

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(BCSNN) — Florida sophomore quarterback DJ Lagway will begin fall camp in a walking boot and limited in practice after suffering a calf strain during offseason training, head coach Billy Napier confirmed. The injury is the latest in a string of setbacks for the Heisman hopeful, who missed spring practice due to a shoulder issue and underwent sports hernia surgery earlier this year.

Napier described Lagway’s status as “day-to-day” and said the team is encouraged by his progress. “In general, he’s made a lot of quick progress,” Napier said. “It’s not ideal, but we’ll monitor it and hopefully increase his participation with each opportunity.” Lagway was seen walking the halls of the football facility and remains active in team meetings, maintaining his role as a vocal leader despite his limited physical activity.

Lagway, a former five-star recruit from Willis, Texas, emerged as Florida’s starter midway through the 2024 season after Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending injury. He led the Gators to a 6–1 record in games he started and finished, throwing for 1,915 yards, 12 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. His performances earned him Freshman All-American honors and placed him on the Maxwell Award watch list entering 2025.

The Gators open their season Aug. 30 against Long Island, followed by a matchup with USF before a challenging stretch that includes LSU, Miami, and Texas. Florida’s staff is optimistic Lagway will be ready for Week 1, but his absence from early camp reps could impact chemistry with new weapons like Dallas Wilson and J. Michael Sturdivant.

If Lagway is unable to return in time, Florida will turn to journeyman Harrison Bailey, a transfer from Louisville who previously played at Tennessee and UNLV, or redshirt sophomore Aidan Warner, who started one game last season. Napier praised both for their offseason development but emphasized Lagway’s importance to the team’s success.

“He's in Year 2, I think he understands what's required to be ready.,” Napier said. “It's not ideal, but I think ultimately we'll come up with the best plan we can to have him ready.”