Emmitt Smith Awards DJ Lagway 2023-24 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year

Set to begin his college career at the University of Florida this fall, DJ Lagway was honored by a Gators legend after being named the 2023-24 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith presented Lagway with his award at the Gators' campus in Gainesville, Florida.

Lagway has spent the past four years playing football at Willis High School in Willis, Texas. He led the program to a 12-1 record (8-0 in district play) and an appearance in the third round of the Class 6A Division II playoffs before losing to eventual state champion DeSoto.

Willis finished the year ranked No. 21 in the MaxPreps' Top 25 for the state of Texas. Lagway set the Texas Class 6A single-season record with 59 touchdown passes, to go along with 4,605 passing yards, 953 rushing yards and 16 rushing touchdowns.

In addition to his efforts on the field, Lagway has maintained a 3.48 GPA as a student and does volunteer work at local food banks. He's also done volunteer work as a public speaker at schools and churches.

"Selecting Lagway as the top high school football player in the nation is a testament to his hard work on the field, in the classroom and in his community," said Gatorade president and general manager Michael Del Pozzo. "His athleticism combined with his contributions in his community and classroom embody what it takes to be a Gatorade Player of the Year."

Lagway is a 5-star prospect and No. 2 quarterback recruit in the 2024 class, per 247Sports. He signed a letter of intent with the University of Florida on Dec. 20.

Smith, who was named Gatorade National Football Player of the Year in 1986-87, played football for three seasons at Florida from 1987 to '89. He was a first-team All-SEC selection in each of his three years and was a unanimous All-American during his final year in 1989.

Lagway joins a prestigious list of Gatorade National Football Player of the Year winners. Past recipients of the award include Kyler Murray, Joe Mauer, Peyton Manning and Robert Smith.