GAMES
RANKINGS
DJ Lagway Named 2023-24 Gatorade National Football Player Of The Year
In its 39th year of honoring the nation's most elite high school athletes for excellence on and off the field of play, Gatorade today announced DJ Lagway of Willis High School in Willis, Texas is the 2023-24 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year.
By Gatorade
Lagway joins an impressive group of former Gatorade National Football Players of the Year who have combined for more than six NFL MVPs awards, 31 Pro Bowl appearances, six NFL first round draft picks and two Hall of Famers. Lagway was selected from more than one million other student-athletes who play high school football nationwide after being named a Top-3 finalist for the top-honor in high-school sports.
Former NFL star, Florida Gator and 1986-87 Gatorade National Football Player of the Year Emmitt Smith surprised Lagway with the trophy at the University of Florida surrounded by Lagway’s family, coaches and teammates. Lagway, who arrived on campus for move-in that morning, thought he was needed for a content shoot on the football field but walked in to find Smith holding the trophy instead. Afterwards, Lagway got a taste of the pro athlete experience with a styling session, photoshoot and media interviews.
By Gatorade
Gatorade Player of the Year is the top honor in high school sports, celebrating the nation’s best high school athletes for their success on and off the playing surface. From CEOs and coaches to star athletes, Gatorade Player of the Year winners showcase the power of sport, touting an all-star group of football alumni that includes Peyton Manning, Nick Singleton and Jackson Arnold.
Gatorade Players of the Year are not only the best of the best in their respective sports, but they’re also leaders in the classroom and in their communities. Lagway has volunteered locally at eldercare facilities, playing games and creating arts and crafts with the residents. He also has donated his time to a community foodbank and as a public speaker at schools and churches in the area, speaking with younger students about what it takes to succeed in school as well as athletics. Lagway has maintained a 3.48 GPA in the classroom and is enrolled at the University of Florida, where he will play football next fall.
“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.”
As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year also receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner. To date, the Gatorade Player of the Year program has provided more than $4.9 million in grants to winners across more than 1,900 organizations.
To learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program, check out past winners or to nominate student-athletes, visit playeroftheyear.gatorade.com.
PURPLE POWER: Miller flipping script at Willis
“This is the first time this team has been 5-0 in a 6A district,” said Miller. “Knocking off back-to-back playoff teams in Week 1 and 2 of district play and sitting at 3-0 in the district is something this town hasn’t seen in a while, so it’s been exciting.”
So what’s been the secret sauce to Willis’ hot start in year two?
“The biggest piece that was missing from last year to this year was having a full offseason period,” he said. “Building a program and a culture that does things the way we do things takes time.”
The offense has been the strength of this Wildkats team this year bringing back a star-studded unit.
“I think the big key is DJ being healthy," Miller said. "Last year he was banged up throughout the season and having him 100-percent has been huge. Bigger than that though, I think was being able to break down concepts on plays for the skill players and offensive lineman this offseason.
“Teaching them why we run these plays and what we are trying to do has made huge strides in our growth this year.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Wildkats have stepped up year over year and have come out with a chip on their shoulder.
“Defensively, the biggest jump we’ve made is the attitude, giving 100-percent every play," he said. "Our boys are hungry and have that -- sharks in the water mentality.”
Quarterback DJ Lagway (Florida-commit) is having an MVP-caliber season but Miller has been really impressed with some other athletes who have really upped their game.
“Starting defensively, Josiah Stephens is playing like an absolute monster," he said. "Having him make plays up front and getting some big time sacks, it’s been huge for our defense. Also, Brock Perry our middle linebacker has shed some weight and has been effective sideline to sideline hitting with some attitude.”
Miller also mentioned Imauree Holmes (ATH), Jermaine Bishop Jr. (ATH) and Carter Jenkins (DB), who are all playing at a high level right now in the secondary.
Offensively?
“Debraun Hampton is a guy who’s having a breakout year at wide receiver," he said. "The development to his game that he made in the offseason is showing. Jermaine Bishop Jr. as a two-way player has been that spark on offense when we need a big play."
Terri Lawerence (RB), Jalen Mickens (WR) and Daylion Robinson (ATH) have all been having big year’s so far for the Wildkats and have Miller feeling good about the offense.
The undefeated Wildkats and Miller have the Willis community believing and the Friday Night Light vibes are spreading throughout the town and school.
“The beauty of being in a one-horse town is that everybody feeds off each other, good or bad,” Miller said. “With the success all the programs are having right now at Willis, it trickles down to everyone. Everybody is drinking the same kool-aid right now.”