After helping the Willis Wildkats to one of the best season in school history, 5-star quarterback D.J. Lagway signed with the Florida Gators Wednesday.
Lagway received a late push from schools like USC and Texas A&M, but held to the verbal commitment he made back in December of 2022.
“I like the opportunity,” said Lagway. “I like to be a game-changer, and I feel like I was able to do it (at Willis) and I’m certain I’ll be able to do it at Florida.”
Lagway’s senior season earned him Maxpreps National Player of the Year Tuesday, after putting up 4,604 passing yards and a Texas 6A record 58 passing touchdowns. Lagway added 957 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2023, leading Willis to a 12-1 record and a two playoff wins.
“I cried - I’m going to be honest with you,” said Derek Lagway, Sr., D.J.’s dad, after D.J won Player of the Year, “I knew all the hard work he put in to earn the honor.”
Those close to Lagway aren’t surprised other schools weren’t able to draw him away from Florida.
“When he says he’s going to do something, he does it,” said Trent Miller, Lagway’s head coach at Willis. “We’re just so proud of him.”
Lagway is Florida’s top rated recruit, and is ranked 4th overall by 247sports.com and the 2nd best quarterback in the country. Lagway is a consensus 5-star recruit and held offers to more than 30 top division 1 programs.