DJ Lagway is saying the right thing, but Florida Football fans know winning cures all

The Florida Gators' football program has found its new voice in DJ Lagway, the highly touted five-star quarterback and recent Gatorade National Player of the Year. As Lagway prepares to transition from high school phenom to college freshman, his words are music to the ears of the Gator faithful. However, in the unforgiving world of SEC football, actions will ultimately speak louder than words.

Lagway's high school credentials are undeniably impressive. The Willis, Texas native capped off his senior year with staggering numbers: 4,604 passing yards, 58 touchdowns through the air, and an additional 957 yards and 16 scores on the ground. These stats, coupled with leading his school to its best record in over 60 years, have set expectations sky-high for his collegiate career.

Head coach Billy Napier has been optimistic about Lagway's potential impact. The young quarterback's dual-threat capabilities align perfectly with the dynamic offense Napier hopes to implement. During summer workouts, Lagway has already begun to build chemistry with his future teammates, showcasing the leadership qualities that Florida desperately needs.

Yet, for all the optimism surrounding Lagway's arrival, recent history serves as a sobering reminder. The Gators have seen their fair share of highly-touted recruits and promising seasons that failed to materialize into sustained success. The SEC is unforgiving where potential must quickly translate into results.

Lagway is aware of the narrative surrounding the Gators and went in depth with Pete Nakos of On3 about the mindset of Florida ahead of the 2024 season.

Much like when Graham Mertz expressed similar optimism last week, Lagway's outlook is the one he should have. However, the road ahead for Lagway and the Gators is full of challenges. Among other thing, Florida has the hardest schedule in the country for 2024.

While Lagway's high school heroics are impressive, the leap to college football is significant. He'll need to adapt quickly to the increased speed of the game, more complex defensive schemes, and the intense scrutiny that comes with being the face of a major program.

The benefit of having Mertz still around is that Lagway can learn the ropes first before he gets thrown into the fire of the SEC.

As the 2024 season approaches, the buzz around DJ Lagway and the Florida Gators continues to grow. His confidence and talent offer a glimmer of hope for a program hungry for a return to national prominence. But in the end, it will be the wins, losses and the big-game performances that will determine whether Lagway's era in Florida is remembered as one of mere potential or true greatness.