Quarterback DJ Lagway has Gator Nation buzzing and NFL scouts taking notice. With a cannon for an arm, a prototypical build at 6 feet 2.5 inches and 230 pounds, and the poise of a seasoned veteran, he looks like he was built for the big stage. It’s no surprise he’s generating national attention—and while the NFL Draft is still a ways off, it’s not too early to picture his name being called on Day 1.

By the time he enrolled early at the University of Florida in 2024, Gators head coach Billy Napier was already calling him a “program-changer.” And he’s living up to that name. Lagway was thrust into the starting role as a freshman after an early injury to the team’s starter and led Florida to a 6-1 stretch, including an MVP performance in the Gasparilla Bowl.

DJ is the son of Derek and Nikita Nephew Lagway. His father, Derek, also played football; he was a running back at Baylor, so football’s clearly in the blood. Derek has been a constant guide for DJ—sometimes coach, always dad. Nikita, meanwhile, has been his rock, often seen cheering loudly from the stands.

DJ Lagway’s Education at Willis High School

He made his name at Willis High School in Texas, where he became a local legend. From Friday night lights to Elite 11 invites, Lagway turned Willis into a football hotbed.

His stats speak volumes. In his senior season at Willis High School, Lagway threw for over 4,600 yards and 58 touchdowns, adding another 957 yards and 16 scores on the ground. That’s not just productive—that’s video game numbers. He capped off that monster season by winning the 2023-24 MaxPreps National Player of the Year, solidifying his legacy in the Texas high school football scene.

The Florida QB’s Early Life in Texas

DJ grew up in Conroe, the heart of Texas, and he’s every bit the Texan quarterback archetype. Confident, tough, and blessed with a deep ball that makes defensive backs sweat. But he wasn’t always destined to be a QB. As a kid, he played multiple positions, including linebacker, before settling into his quarterback role in high school.

His breakout came early, but his rise was steady. By his junior year, he was already receiving offers from nearly every major D1 program. Despite offers from powerhouses like USC and Clemson, he committed to Florida in December 2022 and never looked back, even as schools tried to pry him away late into his senior year.

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He was also the first player from Montgomery County to make the Elite 11 Finals, a prestigious showcase for the best quarterbacks in the country. There, he threw a 55-yard dart off one foot. Even when he had a few struggles during the 7-on-7 portion, his natural arm strength and presence stood out.

DJ Lagway’s story is just beginning, but man, it’s already a good one. From a football family in Texas to the face of the Florida Gators’ future, he’s got all the tools and all the intangibles to be something special. Whether he’s tossing touchdowns in The Swamp or someday walking across the NFL Draft stage in a designer suit, DJ Lagway’s trajectory is pointing straight up. And the best part? He’s just getting started.