Lagway left no doubt during his senior season that he was the best player in Texas, as well as in the nation. DJ was a one man wrecking crew in 2023, he struck defenses through the air, on the ground, running over and around his opponents, while leading Willis to their best record since 1994 and he lead them to an undefeated regular season. Lagway is an elite passer, who can make all of the throws on the route tree, he has the arm talent to push the football deep down field with touch or thread the needle into tight coverage windows. His ability to make off platform throws from multiple arm angles enables him to attack even while under pressure. Lagway is freight train of a runner with breakaway speed, he is athletic, with some juice in space that can make defenders miss in the open field and he has the pocket presence to elude the rush, using his feet as an added weapon offensively. DJ finished up his senior season with Willis, by leading them on their deepest playoff run since the 90’s, losing to eventual state champ Desoto and took home the National Gatorade Player of the Year award. He set the single record for touchdown passes in Texas with 59 touchdowns, throwing for 4,605 yards, completing 72% of his passes and he rushed for 953 yards and 16 touchdowns. Lagway is the number one player in the class of 2024 and he enrolled early at the University of Florida, ready to take the reins in Gainesville.

Lagway is showing all the signs of being playoff-ready and Willis is one of the hottest teams in the state. His remarkable performance this season, leading the Willis offense to score an impressive 60 points per game, is a testament to his skill and leadership. One of Lagway’s standout qualities is his ability to make off-platform throws with accuracy. Dj has the skill set to be accurate even when not in an ideal position, which is a crucial skill for a quarterback, especially in high-stakes playoff games. His powerful arm allows him to make deep throws with pinpoint accuracy, putting pressure on the opposing defense. Lagway’s dual-threat capabilities add another dimension to his game. His speed and agility make him a significant threat when he decides to take off and run with the football. This not only keeps the defense on its toes but also allows him to make big plays, whether through the air or on the ground. Willis should have high hopes for a successful playoff run, and with Dj at the helm, they have a strong chance of making a push for a state title.

Derek (DJ) Lagway Derek (DJ) Lagway 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Willis | 2024 State TX , a senior quarterback from Willis High School and a University of Florida commit, displayed his skills with 18 completions on 24 attempts for 335 yards and an impressive six touchdowns. He also contributed as a rusher with a touchdown. DJ is known for his physicality, athleticism, strong arm, and ability to make all of throws on the route tree, including pushing the ball down the field. DJ stands tall in the pocket, he navigates clutter with ease and his ability to be on time with his throws makes him a lethal offensive weapon. Lagway has been on fire this season and seems to be getting hotter each week.

Lagway is considered a top quarterback not only in the state, but nationally as well. The big-bodied quarterback has shown that he has the ability to take over games in many ways. Throwing, showing off his arm talent, zip on the ball, and overall strength, or even using his legs and ability to run. Lagway will take on an entire defense and come away with a victory. He has just about every tool in his game and it shows why he is a highly touted recruit. While just playing 8 games last season, Lagway posted 2,081 passing yards with 24 touchdowns and ran for 500 yards with 7 touchdowns. He has improved his game year after year so expect the Gator commit to reach another level for his senior season.

Derek (DJ) Lagway Derek (DJ) Lagway 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Willis | 2024 State TX completed 9 of 17 passes with zero touchdowns and two interceptions on Friday.

The Florida commit is the top-rated quarterback in Texas in the Prep Redzone rankings, but was the second best quarterback from Texas at the event, following Hammond.

Lagway doesn’t have the smoothest delivery but he had the biggest hands that I saw of any of the quarterbacks at the event.

The ball jumps out of his hand and I had him making 17 of the 20 throws. He had one of the tighter spirals on the day and has zip on the shorter throws.

Lagway’s rollout and pylon throw to the right was arguably the best of the day and got him props from the coaches and players.

Lagway is one of the most physically gifted players in the class of 2024 regardless of position. He stands tall in the pocket, he has a strong platform when he sets up to deliver a pass and he engages his hip to get extra torque on his throws. DJ can make throws from multiple platforms and his ability to throw on the move with pinpoint accuracy are traits the make his game special. Lagway has the arm strength to spray the field and complete any pass on the route tree, which enables him to fit the football into small coverage windows routinely. DJ is a passer first but when breaks containment to run, he is as elite as the come as a ball carrier. Lagway’s game will fit right in at the Elite 11 Competition and look for him to put on a show in Cali.