College Football Insider Raises Major Concern About DJ Lagway’s Injury
DJ Lagway was a breakout star for the Florida Gators last season, taking over behind center and leading a resurgence that helped head coach Billy Napier keep his job. Lagway will be a player to watch next fall — if he hits the field.
Lagway is nursing a shoulder injury that’s holding him back during spring practices.
“He figures to be one of the key names in the landscape of the quarterback picture this fall, but here is the problem: If he doesn’t play, then that can’t come to fruition,” CBS Sports’ Josh Pate said Sunday on his podcast, “Josh Pate’s College Football Show.” “‘What are you talking about? Are you fear-mongering?’ No, but I am telling you he hasn’t thrown — at least publicly, at least while any eyeballs that are willing to share such details have been on him — this spring.”
Pate shared an audio clip from Napier, who vaguely addressed Lagway’s situation.
“I think our intentions here are to be very smart,” Napier said. “I do think he’ll be limited in throwing activities, but he’ll participate in all practices otherwise. And we’ve done a lot of homework here relative to the things he went through as a player. I mean, he was an absolute warrior and a great competitor that showed toughness.
“And we’ve consulted with quite a few experts here. … I think, in general, he’ll be able to do quite a bit, but there will be some limitations.”
Napier’s comments led Pate to consider the extent of Lagway’s supposed shoulder injury. He compared the scenario to that of a former professional wrestler.
“Once upon a time, they told ‘Stone Cold’ to stop wrestling,” Pate said. “He went and got a second opinion and had several more very, very impactful years tacked onto the end of his career, although it was still cut short. Second opinions are not normally something you’re seeking unless you get bad news on the first opinion. … We’re left to wonder, ‘Is DJ Lagway okay?’ Um, we don’t know.”
