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Gators QB Pledge DJ Lagway Named MaxPreps Player of the Year Finalist

The Gators quarterback commit earned national recognition after accounting for 5,561 yards and 74 touchdowns from scrimmage during his senior campaign.

Brandon Carroll

Gators QB Pledge DJ Lagway Named MaxPreps Player of the Year Finalist
Gators QB Pledge DJ Lagway Named MaxPreps Player of the Year Finalist /
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Photo: DJ Lagway; Credit: Zach Goodall

Florida’s prized 2024 signal-caller has been placed among the nation’s best. 

The Gators’ quarterback commit DJ Lagway was named a MaxPreps High School Player of the Year finalist on Monday after a stellar senior campaign at Willis (Texas) High School. 

He was joined by Opa Locka (Fla.) Chaminade Madonna wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, Draper (Utah) Corner Canyon quarterback Isaac Wilson, Marietta (Ga.) Walton quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski and Lafayette (La.) Christian Academy athlete Ju’Juan Johnson as prospects up for the honor awarded annually to the nation’s top prep standout.

Lagway’s appearance on the star-studded list comes for good reason, as the soon-to-be Gators’ passer lit up the stat sheet en route to a 12-1 season for the Willis Wildkats. Their lone loss came in the third round of the Class 6A Division 2 playoff against DeSoto.

He finished the campaign with 4,604 yards, 58 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 72.1% competition through the air. Lagway added 957 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground to showcase the impressive dual-threat skillset Billy Napier and Co. took considerable interest in when they began seeking his services over a year and a half ago.

His strong arm, knack for throwing the ball accurately off-platform and sheer playmaking ability were a snapshot of skills frequently on display throughout his final season with the Wildkats.

It results in his standing among the five players vying for the Player of the Year crown.

The senior-year production — including 11 games accounting for five touchdowns or more — cemented Lagway’s standing as a consensus five-star recruit across all four major recruiting services. 

Per the 247Sports composite, the longtime Florida pledge ranks as the No. 3 quarterback and No. 14 overall player in 2024. He spearheads the Gators No. 5 class in the current recruiting cycle, as he has since his Dec. 7, 2022, pledge to the program.

Lagway is planning to visit Florida one last time as a recruit prior to the Dec. 20-22 Early Signing window. He’s then expected to put pen to paper on his year-long commitment to the Gators, becoming the first five-star quarterback signee at the University of Florida in nearly a decade.

Accordingly, Lagway is thought to be the key cog in turning the program around from its recent lackluster form. 

The Lone Star State native will enroll at UF in January to begin his collegiate career.

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. 

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Brandon Carroll
BRANDON CARROLL

Brandon Carroll is a recent graduate of the University of Florida. He serves as the lead reporter for the Florida Gators FanNation-Sports Illustrated website, covering football, basketball and recruiting. When he isn't hard at work, he enjoys listening to music, playing flag football and basketball, spending time with his friends and family, and watching an array of television shows. Follow him on Twitter @itsbcarroll.

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