Junior quarterback draws national attention with college decision, five-star status

photo or infographic by Blaine Eckert

GO GATORS. With his friends, family and coaches there to watch, junior DJ Lagway picks up the Florida hat, signifying his commitment to the Gators. Lagway chose the University of Florida over Baylor, Clemson, USC, and Texas A&M.

“I feel like I can go right away and make an impact,” Lagway said.

On that day, the purple gym was filled up with reporters, family members, teammates, coaches and many students waiting to see where the quarterback would call home for his college football career. 

“It felt pretty good to see the community’s support,” Lagway said. “But it just reminds me that I have a whole lot more work I have to do.”

Many different news outlets, such as Conroe Courier, Houston Chronicle and even ESPN showed up to cover the big news.

“There were a lot of reporters there, some even from other sports channels other than ESPN,” sophomore Gia Casso said. “It was so cool that he was just standing there and reporters were holding microphones up to him like you see in the movies.”

There was a lot of anticipation building up to the moment Lagway put on the Florida hat and unzipped his jacket to reveal the Gators logo. The junior allowed his little brother to make the announcement first by popping out from under the table with a Gator cap on. The crowd went from complete silence to clapping and cheering in the blink of an eye.

“I think DJ made the right choice,” freshman Caleb Mowell said. “He will get more playing time, and Florida needs a good quarterback.”

A good quarterback they got. The junior is the number two quarterback and the number seven overall in the nation for 2024 recruits. The football program at Willis has had a major effect on many athletes past and present, including Lagway.

“Willis football has helped me tremendously with getting better at the game I loved since I was 3,” Lagway said. “I wouldn’t be here without God and my family’s support.”