Napier, Gators Adamant Lagway can Improve: 'We Have to Be Better Around Him'

Focusing on his one performance, Napier is keying on situational football with Lagway and knowing when to throw the ball in certain spots in certain downs, distances and understanding the clock as a result of his inopportune miscues.

Two of Lagway's five interceptions directly led to 10 points for LSU, with a pick near the end of the first half, which led to a field goal as time expired, and a pick-six in the third quarter that gave the Tigers a 10-point lead. Additionally, four of his interceptions came on third down while one was on a panicked throwaway near the end of the game.

Those 10 points ended up being the difference in the game.

"I can deal with the ones where we miss and maybe we're a little inaccurate, it's a great play by the other team. Two of the interceptions are the ones that get me the most – the one right before half and the one at the kick line on the 36," Napier said. "The others are going to happen. I think for him, that's my job as a coach is to help him understand the situation."

The players around Lagway are embracing helping him improve. Florida's offensive line, one of the better units in the country last season, have negated Lagway touchdown passes in back-to-back weeks with holding calls, which included an 87-yard touchdown to Jadan Baugh called back on Saturday.

“I feel as an offensive lineman, we have to be better around him," senior tackle Austin Barber said. "It’s not just on him. It’s on everybody.

Florida's investment in Lagway, who missed most of the offseason with multiple injuries, comes despite outside calls for a change at the position. True freshman Tramell Jones Jr., who threw for two touchdowns in the season opener, is Lagway's immediate backup, while Aidan Warner, Lagway's backup in 2024, and Harrison Bailey, a transfer, provide emergency depth.

Napier confirmed after the loss to LSU that they had no plans to give Jones Jr. reps during the game despite Lagway's struggles.

"I don't subscribe to that theory. DJ's our quarterback," he said on Saturday.
"He's one of the best quarterbacks in the country. He made some tough, you know, made good decisions tonight, but he also made some bad decisions tonight, so, yeah. And, you're talking about a guy who, you know, he's a rookie himself."

Napier also confirmed on Monday that the team had no plans to elevate Warner or Bailey, both of whom have in-game experience.

So, Lagway remains, and only time will tell just how much the in-season investment will pay off.

"I think our ability to work hard, to help him, to create a good plan for him, to create a great week of prep, and then his ability to move forward and be process-oriented," Napier said. "Every one of those situations are very correctable, and he'll be better as a result of it. I think everybody can agree that only way you improve is you go through difficult things, difficult circumstances. You got to embrace that."

Florida stays on the road this week with a trip to No. 4 Miami set for Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:30 p.m. with television coverage on ABC.