GAINESVILLE — Florida quarterback DJ Lagway did not throw during the Gators spring game, but will before long to seemingly quell injury concerns.
“He’ll start throwing in a couple weeks — very positive news,” coach Billy Napier said.
The 19-year-old sophomore’s health, particularly his throwing shoulder, have been cause for concern this spring following a breakout freshman season. Lagway was 6-1 as a starter, produced two games with five completions of at least 40 yards and averaged of 10 yards per attempt to rank second nationally.
But Lagway did not throw during spring practices, culminating with Saturday game.
Napier said Lagway is close to full strength after dealing with “lower body stuff.”
He added, “We’re working on just kind of getting him in position for the next step. Everything’s on schedule.”
Lagway handled the opening snap Saturday in the Swamp, but handed off to tailback Ja’Kobi Jackson before exiting the game for redshirt sophomore backup Aidan Warner of Winter Park.
Lagway repeated the process a few times, but did nothing more until the game ended with a 38-29 win for his Blue squad led by Warner (157 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Jackson, who finished with 198 rushing yards highlighted by a 90-yard scoring run.
Despite his limited role, Lagway was in high demand as players and coaches signed autographs following Saturday’s game. The line for Lagway stretched from end zone to end zone as he signed for 45 minutes before leaving with many fans still hoping for his signature.
“I was jealous,” Napier quipped. “I had like 40 or 50 in my line. I can’t see the end of his.”
Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
