Florida head coach Billy Napier addressed the idea of benching DJ Lagway following Saturday’s 20-10 loss to No. 3 LSU.
Lagway had a miserable night, throwing five interceptions. The turnovers translated into 10 points for the Tigers, which proved to be the difference, wasting a strong night from the Gator defense.
After the game, Napier was asked why he didn’t give backup Tramell Jones Jr. — a freshman four-star recruit — a shot with Lagway piling up interceptions.
“I don’t prescribe to that,” Napier said. “DJ is our quarterback and he’s one of the best in the nation.”
Napier pointed to Lagway missing spring and fall practices as a factor in his play. Lagway dealt with multiple ailments during the offseason, including a strained calf.
“I think we all understand the dynamic here. This was his 4th week of practice,” Napier said. “We have to continue to work our way through progressions and get to the next receiver.”
Florida QB Tramell Jones ‘Earned’ No. 2 Job
Jones battled redshirt sophomore Aidan Warner and senior transfer Harrison Bailey for the Gators’ backup gig. He saw action in Florida’s opener against Long Island after the Gators built up a 38-0 halftime lead. Jones completed 12 of 18 passes for 131 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Napier heaped praise on Jones after the performance.
“Tramell Jones has earned the No. 2 job,” Napier said. “He’s a pure passer, man. He can really throw it. And he’s got velocity on the ball. The spin rate is impressive. And he’s a very accurate quarterback. I think you can see he’s got some savvy. Made a few plays with his feet, but in general, he’s impressed us, and he earned that job. You know, you’re in that role, so this is an opportunity to give him a lot of work.”
Throughout the matchup with LSU, frustration mounted among fans, many of whom began calling for Jones to take over at quarterback in place of Lagway.
“I hate to say this. Because I was really pulling for him. But Lagway is horrible,” one fan said. “It’s time to see what Tramell Jones Jr can do.”
Another added, “It’s time to let Tramell Jones have a series. Something is wrong with DJ Lagway. He’s looking completely off this season. He had to be more injured this offseason than let on. Pull him before you completely kill his confidence this game. Tramell is a gamer, give him a shot.”
Napier said after the game that he’s not aware if Lagway is dealing with an injury.
DJ Lagway, Florida Facing Gauntlet
After the game, Lagway didn’t hide from his poor performance.
“I’ve never had a performance like that so it’s hard to process,” Lagway said.
The problem for Lagway and Florida is that they have to make some adjustments in a hurry. The Gators face No. 5 Miami next week, followed by a matchup with No. 7 Texas. They then take a trip to College Station to see No. 16 Texas A&M.
In all, Lagway has passed for 629 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions this season.
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