On December 7, 2022, five-star quarterback DJ Lagway committed to the Florida Gators before signing with the Orange and Blue over a year later during the early hours of National Signing Day.
Despite the fact that the 6-2, 220 pound Texas native remained committed to the Gators for almost a year, Florida had to beat off other clubs who wanted to add Lagway to their 2024 recruiting class.
“It was crazy, I had schools hitting me up all day and all night, and it came down to the last night,” Lagway recalled of his recruiting in its last week. “Coach Riley, Coach Sweeny, even coach Elko, they definitely put their last thing in and it definitely had me thinking until the last second, but overall I chose the Florida Gators.”
It wasn’t going to be easy to pry the five-star quarterback away from Billy Napier and the Gators’ staff, but teams like USC and Texas A&M took their chances.
“It would have taken a lot, especially with A&M because of the new coaching staff and everything, but I’m 100% committed to the Florida Gators.” It really got me thinking, but I just prayed, talked to God, and truly prayed about it,” Lagway said of what was going through his mind during the late pushes.
“They tried to tell me to follow my heart,” Lagway said, referring to the staff’s message to him. “I believe I did. I definitely developed strong bonds with coaches Elko and Klien, as well as the rest of the coaching staff. I’m still going on friendly terms.”
When Aggies Head Coach Mike Elko was hired on November 27th, he made Lagway a priority, giving Texas A&M a threat to flip Lagway from Florida in the final days before signing day.
“I’d say Texas A&M,” Lagway replied when asked which team made the most of a push. “USC came at the tail end, they were a little late on the back end of it.” “I’d say I was the first guy they called when coach Elko arrived.”
Lagway admitted that the recent unfavorable publicity surrounding the program, as well as peer pressure from Willis High School, which is only 30 minutes away from Florida’s main rival, Texas A&M, had an impact on him.
“Most definitely,” Lagway answered when asked if the negative press surrounding Florida’s program had gotten to him. “Especially at A&M, my school is about 30 minutes from A&M, so all of the teachers, coaches, and principals are A&M die hards.” So everyone at school is telling me I should go to A&M. But, as I already stated, at the end of the day, I simply had to pray about it and make the best option for me, not for anyone else. So I feel like that was the case at the University of Florida.”
Lagway’s final in-home visit with Florida sealed the deal.
“It was incredible, and it kind of sealed the deal a little bit.” On his last in-home visit with Napier, Lagway said, “I’d say it was a great in-home visit, I was excited.”
“They didn’t need to sell their pitch or anything.” It’s all about establishing that relationship and letting me know that I’m the guy with whom they see a future. That’s crucial for me because I want to go somewhere where I’ll be wanted,” Lagway added.
Around 11:00 p.m. the night before early singing day, Lagway informed Napier that he was going to sign with Florida.
The process is now complete for the highly regarded quarterback, who is eager to be on campus and start on turning around Florida’s team.
“I’m just excited to get started; I just want to be the best that I can be.” I’m really looking forward to this journey.”
Lagway is anticipated to arrive on campus immediately following the conclusion of the Under Armour All-America camp and game.
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