GAINESVILLE, FL (352today.com) – Under a brilliant blue sky, thousands of Gators faithful turned out in Gainesville on Saturday for the annual Orange & Blue game in which fans get a glimpse of how their team is shaping up in the offseason.

The spring game ended with a 19-17 win for the Blue squad.

At a post-game news conference head coach Billy Napier who is in his third season talked about the promise he saw in the team.

“I’m proud of our team and I told them that on the field. We’re at the halfway point through the offseason,” Napier told reporters.

Besides talent on the field, Napier identified leadership, accountability, and self-discipline as key factors in this year’s team.

Fans got their first chance to see quarterback DJ Lagway, the five-star recruit from Texas, in action.

“DJ’s made progress. He just got here in January,” said Napier.

Lagway’s stats came in at 12-of-21 for 173 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

Meanwhile, returning quarterback Graham Mertz logged 15-of-27 for 241 yards.

Florida Gators wide receiver Jaden Edgecombe runs during the NCAA college football team’s spring game, Saturday, April 13, 2024. Courtesy: AP Photo/John Raoux
Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier gives a thumbs up during the team’s spring game. Courtesy: AP Photo/John Raoux
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway throws a pass. Courtesy: AP Photo/John Raoux
Florida quarterback DJ Lagway looks for a receiver. Courtesy: AP Photo/John Raoux
Florida Gators tight end Arlis Boardingham, right, is upended after a reception by defensive back Trikweze Bridges during the NCAA college football team’s spring game, Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Gainesville, FL. Courtesy: AP Photo/John Raoux
Florida Gators wide receiver Eugene Wilson III is pushed out-of-bounds by defensive back Jason Marshall Jr. after a reception during the NCAA college football team’s spring game. Courtesy: AP Photo/John Raoux
A gorgeous day for the Orange & Blue game on Saturday. Courtesy: Jessica Maier/352today

The hype surrounding Lagway naturally causes fans to wonder if there’s QB competition.

“Those guys have been awesome,” said Napier. “I can’t compliment those two guys enough.”

Napier described them as polar opposites, acknowledging Mertz’s 43 starts and that Lagway has no [college] experience.

“He’s incredibly aware. Smart. A different type of player than DJ,” said Napier of Mertz. “He is confident. He’s humble and he’s a great teammate… he’s been through the highs and lows throughout his career.”

“Both guys are just good human beings. It’s been fun to watch. Fun to be a part of,” said Napier.

Napier said the veteran, Mertz, is mentoring Lagway.

“Not only teaching him the football part. But I just think the example everyday of how to prepare to approach meetings, the self-discipline part relative of how to take care of your body, how to study film.”

Napier made a bold prediction.

“I think we’re going to look back and we’re going to say one of the best things that happened to the University of Florida is Graham Mertz came back for another year, while DJ Lagway was a true freshman,” said Napier.

Between veteran players and young talent, Napier expressed cautious optimism.

“That to go along with the [coaching] changes we made after evaluating the season, I feel good about where we’re at,” said Napier.

Napier began the defensive makeover at the end of last season by firing two assistant coaches – cornerbacks coach Corey Raymond and defensive line coach Sean Spencer.

Gator fans are counting down the days to the season opener in the Swamp on Saturday, Aug. 31, when they take on Miami.