Quarterback DJ Lagway, who will play in the fall at Florida, has been named the 39th Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.
Lagway, honored as the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas on Wednesday, was one of three finalists for the national award, which was announced Friday.
Best in the COUNTRY. ??
The Gatorade National Player of the Year, @DerekLagway. ??#GoGators | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/vvgGdvFCa9
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) January 5, 2024
“We all know what a big deal this award is and we are all aware of DJ’s talent, but this award is also a testament to the type of person he is off the field,” Florida head coach Billy Napier said. “The way he carries himself, his character, his work ethic, his drive and his focus are the things that make him exceptional. I’m proud of him.”
The award also is based on academics and off-field activities. He had a 3.48 GPA and while in high school volunteered to work with seniors and at the food bank, and he also spoke to youngsters in schools and churches.
The 6-foot-2, 225 pound Lagway is ranked by the 247Sports composite as a five-star prospect and the No. 3 quarterback in the 2024 class.
Playing for Willis High School in 2023, Lagway led his team to a 12-1 mark and its first district championship in 21 years. He completed 72.1 percent of his pass attempts for 4,604 yards and 58 touchdowns, and he also ran for 957 yards with 16 TDs.
He becomes the fourth Florida player to win the award, following John Brantley (2007), Brock Berlin (2000) and Emmitt Smith (1987).
–Field Level Media
