DJ Lagway adds one more accolade to cap off an impressive high school career.
The Willis (Texas) quarterback was named the 2023-2024 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year, earning the honor over Julian Lewis (Carrollton, Ga.) and Julian Sayin (Carlsbad, Calif.).
Lagway was arguably “The Human Highlight Reel of the 2023 Season,” showing off incredible arm strength while also demonstrating that he can create havoc for defenses with his legs.
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Florida 5-star QB commit DJ Lagway shows off his arm by unleashing a huge 50-yard completion 💪
(🎥: @GHamilton_On3)https://t.co/Swm4OW4ksE
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— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) October 14, 2023
The 5-star QB led the Wildcats to a 12-1 record, with the only loss coming against a tough DeSoto (Texas) team that finished No. 4 in the USA TODAY Sports Super 25.
Of course, the Gatorade POY Award is more than just on-field accomplishments—electrifying as they might be…
DJ has been as important to his community as he has been under center. He’s volunteered at local eldercare facilities, taking part in activities like playing games and creating arts and crafts with the residents. He’s has also donated time to a community food bank, and stepped up to the mic as a public speaker at schools and churches in the area.
To top it off, the standout athlete has been a force in the classroom as well, having maintained a 3.48 GPA, which only ultimately highlights how special Lawgay is and why he was worthy of the storied high school sports achievement.
“Selecting Lagway as the top high school football player in the nation is a testament to his hard work on the field, in the classroom and in his community,” said Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo in an email release. “His athleticism combined with his contributions in his community and classroom embody what it takes to be a Gatorade Player of the Year.”
And what better way to surprise the Florida Gators commit with the distinguished award than by having a legend of the Blue and Orange at Gainesville present him with the honor — Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith.
The 1986-87 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year surprised Lagway with the trophy at the University of Florida surrounded by Lagway’s family, coaches and teammates.
Credit: Gatorade
Not a bad way to kick off move-in day as the next chapter begins!
Credit: Gatorade