Recruit Reaction: I feel like we’re on to something

Please Read: Welcome to the new-look Inside the Gators

• Instant Analysis: Lagway sets record in win
• Florida-Samford Box Score
• Poll: Do you start Mertz or Lagway against Texas A&M and why?
• O&B Board: Florida vs Samford Game Thread (All Game Talk in Here)

Inside the Gators asked Florida commitments and targets for their thoughts on the Gators’ 45-7 win over Samford. Find out what 10 visitors, including commit Devin Jackson, and targets Joel Morris and Devonte Anderson, as well as others, thought of the game.

• 2026 three-star safety commit Devin Jackson

It was great. I feel like we’re on to something. I love the way the defensive backs were moving around out there. DJ Lagway 400 plus yards in the game with 3 touchdowns was the highlight. Lagway is ahead of his time and a great player.

• 2026 defensive end Bryce Robinson

The atmosphere was one of the best I’ve ever been to. The highlight was seeing DJ Lagway be given a chance and making the best of his opportunity. Starting that young, and he’s just amazing overall. Great poise for a young quarterback. On my side do the ball the defense was lights out, specifically my position. Defensive line Coach [Gerald] Chatman and his staff are amazing at what they do.

• 2027 linebacker Gregory Batson Jr.

I think Florida’s defense stepped up when it needed to and the fans played a big part in that. DJ Lagway proved that he is the future of the Gators and probably the future of college football.

• 2026 cornerback Jalon Copeland

It was a real good game for the guys on both sides of the ball. I can most definitely see myself playing here! The atmosphere is crazy. DJ [Lagway] is gonna lead these guys for the next three years no doubt & change around the whole program.

• 2027 receiver Jaden Upshaw

Well first it was an amazing experience, you know, from the beginning to the end and I feel as if at my position, which is wideout, they did a great job throwing and catching the ball. The atmosphere was amazing the fans were into the game. Probably one of the best games I have attended and I would say the highlight is when DJ [Lagway] was getting pressure in the backfield and he threw an amazing ball down the field for I think a 50-yard touchdown. He was just incredible last night. That’s the best way to start as a freshman and he looks like he was very comfortable only being a freshman and was the player of the night.

• 2027 defensive end D’ante Seals

I thought it was a very good win for the Gators. They dominated on both sides of the ball the entire game. The Defense played lights out. Tyreak Sapp #94 had a sack and a forced fumble. George Gumbs Jr. #34 also had a sack. They both play my position at the Edge/Outside Linebacker. The stadium atmosphere was very exciting with the blue and orange LED lights going, the fan’s cell phone flashlights on and the song “I Won’t Back Down” playing made it a special moment at The Swamp for me.

• 2026 unranked receiver Devonte Anderson

It was great, you know they had to bounce back from last week. They played hard and collectively together as one unit. I loved it and that boy DJ Lagway really stepped up and handled the job well. He put up insane numbers.

• 2027 unranked athlete Ethan Hauser

Great win for the Gators, the Swamp had a great atmosphere! Just noticing the play from the defensive backs I was impressed with how physical they were and how fast they flew around to the football. Coach [Will] Harris and [Beyah] Rasool are doing a great job with that group. The atmosphere from the ride in to the stadium was pretty great, very high energy, very intense and fun to be a part of. To be honest DJ Lagway was a highlight reel, loved the way he came out and took care of business and how the team and fans were behind him. My highlight was after the game he ran up to me going into the tunnel and was screaming come down to the Swamp. That was pretty cool. Overall I had a great experience, would love to be back!

• 2026 unranked quarterback Joel Morris

I loved DJ [Lagway‘s] performance. I wasn’t surprised, I had a feeling he was going to have a good game. The atmosphere was tough. I liked it. I know the all blue game is going to be great. The highlight for me was DJ’s first deep ball. That’s when I knew he was going to have a night. I knew he was going to be great he adds another dynamic to the run game.

• 2027 unranked receiver Gavin Davis

The team had great execution and dominated on both sides of the ball. I am a wide receiver and I loved The play where Trey Wilson III ran the jet sweep and went 80 yards for a touchdown. The atmosphere was electric. It was very live throughout the entire game all four quarters. The highlight of the game was DJ [Lagway’s] play where he escaped the pocket and threw a touchdown in the corner of the end zone to Aidan Mizell. DJ Lagway was very impressive he really stepped in and stepped up for the team. He was a great leader.

• 2026 unranked athlete Prince Jean

I think team effort they played great loved how they played together and rallied behind each other. The wide receivers put on a show. I love the explosiveness they bring to the table. The trust DJ has in them. The atmosphere was exceptional. The fans showed major support. Loved how they rallied behind the team. I say DJ fits right in he’s where he belongs as #1. From the build, the accuracy, and to the IQ. Now it’s just time for him to put on a show in the big games.

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