In a July interview with Gators Wire, Lagway acknowledged Mertz’s significant contribution to his learning and progress.

“Just being a professional, walking around the building — you can just tell that he’s (Mertz) doing it the right way,” said Lagway. “And I just observe and learn from him, you know? It helped me early on with memorizing the playbook and other things, and it taught me new study habits.”

Lagway went on to elaborate: “I’ve just been so thankful and grateful to have Graham Mertz in my corner to help me with my development.”

What 247Sports Says About Lagway

According to sports writer Clint Brewster of 247Sports, Lagway is the best backup quarterback in college football.

Brewster had written the following: “A future Heisman winner will be one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football and the best Florida signal caller since Tim Tebow.”

Lagway won the Gatorade Player of the Year award in his senior season after throwing for 4604 yards and 58 touchdowns.

Top Ten Backup Quarterbacks

Brewster ranks Lagway as the top backup quarterback, followed by Arch Manning (Texas Longhorns), Jayden Maiava (USC Trojans), Ty Simpson (Alabama Crimson Tide), and CJ Bailey (NC State Wolfpack).

Beau Pribula (Penn State Nittany Lions), Walker Howard (Ole Miss Rebels), Dante Moore (Oregon Ducks), Kevin Jennings (SMU Mustangs), and Jaylen Henderson (Texas A&M Aggies) complete the top ten.