True freshman quarterback DJ Lagway has taken over as Florida’s starter following Graham Mertz’s season ending knee injury. Lagway and Mertz rotated drives earlier in the season, giving us some data that we can analyze and compare. Through seven games played and two starts, Lagway has brought a different element to Florida’s offense.
Let’s start by looking at the vertical passing game. Lagway is attempting a ‘deep pass’ (20+ air yards) on 21.3% of his passing attempts compared to Mertz’s 11.7%. This can be credited to several things, including Florida’s staff playing to Lagway’s strengths. But there’s also a level of ‘want to’ in Lagway’s game.