Adding multiple signal callers to the quarterback room was a top priority for the Gators’ staff this offseason. In 2024, Florida had to rely on three different quarterbacks due to injuries to the first and second string. Graham Mertz, DJ Lagway, and PWO Aidan Warner each played 130+ snaps in Florida’s 8-5 campaign.
After signing four-star QB Tramell Jones in the 2025 high school class, the Gators added Charlotte transfer quarterback Deshawn Purdie, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. The Baltimore, Maryland native ranked as a three star in the 2024 class and as a transfer this offseason. Purdie is currently the 307th overall prospect in the portal and the 31st quarterback.
Florida had their hands tied with DJ Lagway, given he’s just a rising sophomore. I was skeptical whether Florida would be able to convince any transfer quarterback to come sit behind Lagway, and likely not play but due to injury. It was likely going to have to be a younger quarterback, and it was. I’m not sure that Florida couldn’t have added a better backup quarterback than Deshawn Purdie given their situation. Let’s break it down.
Purdie is a rising sophomore, so he has three years of eligibility remaining plus a redshirt year available, which he could very realistically use in 2025. Purdie also gained valuable experience having logged 437 snaps during his freshman season in 2024. Purdie completed 100 of 200 attempts for 1,802 yards and 10 touchdowns while also tossing six interceptions.
Purdie has an athletic frame, standing tall at 6’4, 220 pounds. While I wouldn’t consider Purdie a true ‘dual threat’ quarterback, he has the athleticism that Florida is looking for in a quarterback. Purdie ran the ball (not including sacks) 17 times for 81 yards and a touchdown this season. There wasn’t a whole lot of evading pressure or scrambling in his rookie tape, partly because he is always looking to push the ball down the field.
The Baltimore, Maryland product sported a completion percentage of just 50%, which on the surface doesn’t look great. What’s not shown is his average depth of target of 14.7 yards, which is significantly higher than DJ Lagway’s ADOT of 11.8.
Purdie has a beautiful deep ball, which I’m sure is something that sparked interest from Florida’s staff. Purdie completed 30 of 59 passes over 20 air yards (50.8%) for 1,153 yards, seven touchdowns, and one interception. His passing grade of 95.0 on deep passes ranks just shy of DJ Lagway’s 95.8 grade, according to Pro Football Focus. His average depth of target on deep passes was 32.0 yards. 64.1% of Purdie’s total passing yards came from deep passes. Purdie’s 18.0 yards gained per pass completion led all FBS players in 2024.
The Charlotte QB struggled with medium and short depth passes, which is fairly normal for a true freshman who often times struggle progressing through reads or throwing into zone coverage. Purdie completed just 28.9% of his passes between 10-19 air yards, throwing for one touchdown and three interceptions.
Purdie’s transfer to UF makes sense for a number of reasons: Three years of eligibility, experience, similar skillset to DJ Lagway. Florida’s game plan will suit the playing style of both Lagway and Purdie, as they share similar strengths and weaknesses. I am in no way saying Purdie is the caliber of player that Lagway is, but if Lagway suffers an injury in 2025, it should be an easier transition when Purdie gets his number called. They can be build for the future with Purdie instead of building a backup quarterback.
Purdie has a quick release and understands how to lead his receivers to open space. He’s got a way to go in terms of understanding different coverages and improving his pocket presence, but the 6’4, 220-pound quarterback has the arm strength and talent that Florida is looking for in a young quarterback.
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