The hype around Florida football quarterback DJ Lagway just keeps building.
The sophomore was officially named to the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list, joining 101 other college football players as early contenders for one of the sport’s top honors.
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For a player barely entering his second season in Gainesville, it’s another sign that Lagway is quickly becoming one of the most-talked-about quarterbacks in the country.
The award was established in 2012 to recognize the best offensive player in Division I football with strong ties to Texas. It’s named after Hall of Famer Earl Campbell, a Tyler native who dominated with the Texas Longhorns and became the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner back in 1977.
Lagway, a former star at Willis High School just north of Houston, more than qualifies—and he’s one of 31 quarterbacks on this year’s preseason list.
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Lagway’s freshman year made Florida fans believers
Lagway’s first year with the Orange and Blue wasn’t just promising, it was record-setting. He appeared in all 12 games, starting seven, and guided the Gators to a 6-1 record when he was the starter. That kind of immediate impact helped Florida finish 8-5 in what many expected to be a difficult season under Billy Napier.
Lagway threw for 1,915 yards and 12 touchdowns, completing nearly 60 percent of his passes while adding 101 rushing yards. He also tied Chris Leak’s program record for most wins by a true freshman quarterback and led all FBS true freshmen with a 154.9 passer rating.
Those numbers, combined with his leadership, have Gator Nation buzzing about what’s to come this season.
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What’s ahead for Lagway and the award race
The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award process trims down as the season unfolds, with semifinalists announced in November and finalists revealed in December. A committee of broadcasters, journalists, former players and fans will select the winner.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida Gators’ DJ Lagway on Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award watch list
