Watch: Florida QB Commit DJ Lagway at Elite 11 Finals, Day One

Highlights from Willis (Texas) High quarterback and Florida Gators class of 2024 commitment DJ Lagway's performance on day one of the Elite 11 Finals.

REDONDO BEACH, Calif. -- Willis (Texas) High product and Florida Gators commitment DJ Lagway was the first quarterback off of the bus and onto the field on day one of the 2023 Elite 11 Finals on Wednesday night. And for good reason.

The 6-foot-2, 225-pound Lagway immediately made his presence known among the crowd of 20 class of 2024 passers competing in the annual event. Natural arm talent, consistent accuracy and the ability to make throws on the move displayed throughout the evening have placed the quarterback in the early conversation to receive Elite 11 MVP honors when the tournament ends on Friday. 

Nearly two minutes of highlight throws from Lagway's day one performance at the Elite 11 Finals can be found in the video at the top of this story. 

RELATED: Elite 11 Finals preview — will Gators QB commit DJ Lagway walk away victorious? 

While several signal-callers in attendance will bring special traits to their future offenses, none offer the velocity Lagway can routinely put into his passes. That much was evident on Wednesday night as he threw the same throws as his peers, and his arm did not appear to tire during the two-and-a-half-hour workout. 

"I feel like it shined through a lot. You know, just having a different zip on the ball than everybody else," Lagway told All Gators after the first night of competition. "I feel like it was a solid day. Not my best, but I feel like I can come out here and just do better. 

"I didn't really want to prove nothing. I just wanted to come out here and learn. Just get better, just compete with myself and just better myself."  

The contestants spent most of day one split into four groups at various drill stations, testing footwork and throwing mechanics, the ability to pass with touch and power, accuracy targeting halted and moving targets and much more under the instruction of several reputable quarterback coaches and counselors.  

Following the circuit, each quarterback participated in the rail shot challenge, targeting an outside receiver running a go-route against a hypothetical Cover 2 defensive look. The throw is of great difficulty and can be considered inaccurate even if the pass is caught, as it requires precise accuracy down the sideline and of course the velocity to push the ball deep. 

In the elimination-style contest, Lagway finished in fourth place as judged by the coaches. His practice throw was arguably the best of the entire bunch, drawing audible reactions from onlookers. 

This was @DerekLagway’s warmup throw in the Elite 11 rail shot competition.

Great throw and even better catch. pic.twitter.com/Lx07Mnl8e1

— Zach Goodall (@zach_goodall) June 15, 2023

Day two of the 2023 Elite 11 Finals is expected to begin at 8:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. PDT on Thursday, June 15. The quarterbacks will participate in a Pro Day-themed workout. 

Stay tuned to All Gators for continuous coverage of Florida Gators football, basketball and recruiting. Follow along on social media at @AllGatorsOnFN on Twitter and All Gators on FanNation-Sports Illustrated on Facebook.

Get your Gators football, basketball and other sporting events tickets from SI Tickets here.