Billy Napier gave the media injury reports before of Florida’s week two game against Samford.
Redshirt senior quarterback Graham Mertz suffered a concussion during Florida’s week one loss to Miami, paving the way for true freshman DJ Lagway to start in week two against Samford. “Graham didn’t practice today. He’s further along in the protocol and improving, but not quite there yet. As of now, DJ [Lagway] will start, with Clay [Millen] and Aidan [Warner] as backups,” said head coach Billy Napier.
While Napier didn’t rule out the possibility of Mertz being cleared to play in week two, it seems unlikely. “It’s still to be determined, but Graham hasn’t practiced,” Napier added.
Lagway is set to make his first collegiate start on September 7th against Samford. “DJ has a great attitude. He’s excited,” Napier said on Wednesday. “He got his first playing time last Saturday, and it was a good learning experience for him. So far, so good. He did a lot of positive things, and it’s great to see the players rally around him. It’s a big plus for him to get first-team reps.”
On the injury front, Napier confirmed that safety Asa Turner, star/nickel Sharif Denson, and cornerback Devin Moore will miss the game. Denson could return soon, but there were no updates on Turner or Moore. Additionally, graduate defensive lineman Joey Slackman will miss the game with an undisclosed injury, though Napier is optimistic about his return soon.
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