Suddenly, Florida Gators Star Player Accepted An Extended Contract.

Before signing with Florida, DJ Lagway provides recruitment insight. Coaches vying for Lagway’s business advised him to follow his passion. The message only served to reinforce his vow to Florida.

The head coaches of Texas A&M, Clemson, Southern California, and Florida held firm on their commitment to the quarterback during the final days of the class of 2024 Early Signing Period, even though the quarterback had been committed to Florida for more than a year. This was before December 20.

“Dude, that was insane. I’m plagued by schools day and night. You know, that got to be the last night.” Lagway said to reporters on Friday during the Under Armour All-America Game media day. “Coach [Lincoln] Riley, coach [Dabo] Swinney, even coach [Mike] Elko, they put their last thing in and definitely had me thinking until the last second.”

Among them, Elko of Texas A&M left a deep effect. After taking over the team, which is based about an hour west of Willis High School in Lagway, the Aggies’ new head coach visited the prospect at home and conveyed a message that echoed Riley and Swinney’s statements.

You know what I mean, they attempted to tell me to follow my heart.” Lagway communicated. “And I feel like I did.”

Lagway reaffirmed that location as the University of Florida, where he plans to relocate the week following the All-America Game.

Late in the evening on the eve of signing day, Lagway made his commitment to Billy Napier’s Gators known after considering and praying over what a future at UF would entail. The following morning, he turned in his signed Letter of Intent.

Lagway found attraction in the chance to turn the team around, which somewhat brought to mind the circumstances he stumbled into at Willis. Only a few months removed from its third straight losing season, Florida’s football record has not been this dismal since the 1940s.

“I’m simply observing the atmosphere that coach Napier is attempting to establish, and it reminds me of something similar that I experienced in my high school, for example. We were by no means a successful program, Lagway said.

The Wildkats accomplished their longest run in the Texas high school state playoffs since 1994, thanks to Lagway’s strong arm and nimble legs. They advanced to the regional semifinals, where Willis was defeated by DeSoto. Lagway had 957 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground in addition to completing 72.1% of his passes for 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns.

“They were just letting me know I’m the guy that they see the future with,” Lagway said of the Gators. “That’s huge for me. I’m gonna go somewhere that I’m wanted. I’m just ready to get to work.”