It’s no surprise that DJ Lagway was given the keys to the Florida Alligators football program, but most didn’t expect significant pressure to be placed on his shoulders so soon.

Despite only starting three full games, the highly touted rookie has already totaled 1,071 yards and six touchdowns. Despite missing time throughout the season, Lagway still threw for the sixth-most passing yards among all true freshman quarterbacks in the NCAA.

During the SEC teleconference Wednesday, head coach Billy Napier explained that Lagway’s attention to detail helps him be able to succeed.

“He knows the value of preparation and practice habits,” Napier said. “I am impressed with the way he approaches practice, meetings and studying film independent of our staff. I think being with Graham helped him in many ways.

Earlier this month, Lagway had to leave the Florida game against Georgia after suffering a grade 2 hamstring strain. After missing last week’s game against Texas, it remains unclear if he will return to action this Sunday against LSU.

In a separate news conference Wednesday, Napier gave an overview of what is being done to prepare Lagway to potentially play Saturday.

“We create a match environment in terms of the treatment and the modifications that we use, you know, just to make sure he’s comfortable with it. So he worked today and I obviously think he made progress,” Napier said. “He feels better today than yesterday. We hope this will be the case tomorrow.

Although there is still uncertainty over his status for this week’s game, Lagway returned to practice, impressing some teammates in the process.

Offensive lineman Austin Barber is encouraged by Lagway’s gradual improvement, saying he admires his quarterback’s valiant effort to get back on the field.

“Just seeing him here, he’s a player, it’s crazy to see how much effort he puts into playing and going out there,” Barber said. “He does a great job.”

During Wednesday’s practice, Lagway caught the attention of his teammates by making an impressive pass during a team competition period in practice.

According to defensive back Trikweze Bridges, Lagway’s performance Wednesday indicates he is returning to his original form.