ATLANTA — Billy Napier sounded like a confident coach on Wednesday afternoon.

Some of Napier’s optimism undoubtedly springs from the update he provided on Gators quarterback DJ Lagway at SEC Media Days.

“We throw the quarterback three times a week. He’s continued to do that,” Napier said. “He actually got a good session in this morning before he came here.

“So, yeah, we feel confident in terms of him being ready to go.”

Lagway’s health became an issue when Napier announced in the spring that the sophomore quarterback would be limited throwing during spring camp. The cautionary approach related to a shoulder injury that Lagway suffered in high school and resurfaced last season.

Lagway performed non-throwing drills in spring camp and made a cursory appearance in the Orange & Blue Game, but backup Harrison Bailey and sophomore Aidan Warner took the bulk of snaps.

Lagway resumed throwing in late April and told a large gathering of reporters around him Wednesday that he has improved physically and as a player, tossing in a dose of humor in his first trip to SEC Media Days.

“All right, I don’t have a prosthetic arm, just letting you all know that,” Lagway said. “But no, I’m feeling great, training’s been amazing. I’m actually getting better at things. I’m not just trying to get back to throwing the ball, I’ve been working on mechanics that’s going to help my accuracy this year, help my decision-making.”

 

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Lagway had not spoken to the media since Florida’s win over Tulane in the Gasparilla Bowl. He is eager to get back on the field after leading the Gators to six wins in his seven starts as a true freshman, including four consecutive wins to close the season when he returned from a hamstring injury in the Georgia game that cost him a game and a half.

“I’m excited, I’m ready to go,” Lagway said.

Add Napier to that list.

Entering his fourth season, Napier is ready to see what Lagway can do in his second season after his promising signs in 2024.

“He showed tremendous grit and toughness, played through some injuries,” Napier said. “I think Year 2 for him will be something special.”