Tim Tebow predicts DJ Lagway will have an immediate impact with Florida Football

Florida Gators football legend Tim Tebow has high expectations for freshman quarterback DJ Lagway, predicting the young talent will make an immediate impact in his first year with the team. Speaking on The Paul Finebaum Show, Tebow expressed his enthusiasm for Lagway's potential to contribute significantly, even in a backup role behind starter Graham Mertz.

Tebow, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in Florida history, didn't mince words when discussing Lagway's capabilities. "DJ Lagway, our freshman quarterback. I think he's extremely special," Tebow stated. This high praise comes from a player who knows a thing or two about making an impact as a freshman, having played a crucial role in Florida's 2006 national championship season as a change-of-pace quarterback behind Chris Leak.

Lagway's credentials certainly support Tebow's excitement. The freshman was ranked as the top quarterback and No. 3 overall player in the country for the class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry rankings. His high school statistics are equally impressive, with Lagway completing over 72% of his passes as a senior, throwing for 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns.

While acknowledging Graham Mertz's position as the team's leader and starting quarterback, Tebow sees a unique role for Lagway. "I think DJ can step in and help in a lot of areas and I think give d-coordinators a couple of nightmares," he explained. This assessment suggests that Lagway's skill set could be utilized in specific situations, much like how Tebow was deployed during his freshman year.

Tebow's experience as a freshman contributor gives weight to his analysis. In 2006, he was often used in short-yardage or goal-line situations, leveraging his size and athletic ability to keep defenses off-balance. Tebow finished that championship season with 469 yards and 8 touchdowns rushing, along with 358 yards and 5 touchdowns passing.

The potential for a two-quarterback system isn't lost on current Florida head coach Billy Napier. When asked about the possibility, Napier didn't rule it out, noting the different skill sets of Mertz and Lagway. "They're a little bit different type of players, too, also scripting in unique and a lot of fun," Napier said. He added that building an offense around two different types of players has been an "awesome challenge."

Tebow emphasized that Lagway's impact could extend beyond his on-field production. The mere threat of Lagway entering the game could cause "sleepless nights" for opposing defensive coordinators, forcing them to prepare for multiple offensive looks. This added dimension to Florida's offense could prove invaluable in keeping defenses off-balance and creating opportunities for the entire team.

While Tebow's excitement for Lagway is palpable, he also expressed confidence in Mertz's abilities. "I think that we have one of the better quarterbacks in the SEC in Graham Mertz," Tebow stated, highlighting Mertz's impressive 2023 season where he threw for over 2,900 yards and 20 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

As Florida enters the 2024 season, the combination of Mertz's experience and Lagway's potential creates an intriguing quarterback situation for the Gators.