Andy Jean's role will ‘definitely grow’ after recent play, WR injuries

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•10/02/23•

ZachAbolverdi

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Florida freshman receiver Andy Jean has received more playing time in recent weeks, and his role will continue to expand moving forward. Jean was a bright spot on offense in the loss at Kentucky.

He stepped up for the Gators following the lower leg injury to starting sophomore WR Caleb Douglas, who left the game before the break. Jean caught four passes for 33 yards — all in the second half — in his first extended action.

“It was good to see him be able to execute and to get some experience,” UF coach Billy Napier said of Jean. “I think that’s going to help his confidence. You can just see it. He got a chance to play in the Charlotte game and experience some success.”

Jean made the first plays of his collegiate career against the 49ers, making his first catch for 32 yards and also gaining 25 yards on a reverse. After just one appearance in the first three games, he followed up his Charlotte performance with a season-high 30 snaps at Kentucky.

Napier noted that the injury to Douglas wasn’t the only reason Jean had his number called more in Lexington.

“Andy’s opportunities have been increasing because he’s been preparing better, showing a better grasp, practicing better, more efficient, more productive, performing in practice. We’ve been playing him here the last couple of weeks as a result of that,” Napier said.

“Andy’s role will definitely grow here. … Sometimes a young, talented player, when they experience some success, that kind of fuels the fire, and then they show up to practice a little bit different, right? We’ve got a number of players that are like that. Andy’s a good example.”

Andy Jean could be a ‘real problem’

With Douglas out for 4-6 weeks and fellow freshman receiver Eugene Wilson III missing the last two games with a collarbone injury, the Gators will continue to count on Jean. A four-star recruit in the On3 Industry player rankings for the 2023 class, he enrolled early and made a strong impression during spring ball.

Florida redshirt junior cornerback Jalen Kimber expects Jean to take advantage of the opportunity this month and build on his recent play.

“He’s a good overall receiver. He can run routes, real quick in and out of breaks and things like that. If you’re not on point, Andy, he can slip away from you,” Kimber said. “Andy has good speed and route running. He knows how to run the route. Somebody that’s not on point on the defensive side of the ball, for somebody that knows how to run the route, they could have a real problem.

“He’s been doing really good. He has a big role to fill, so just keep working and doing what he’s being told to do. … Really just embrace the moment, take it for what it is, keep his head down and keep grinding in practice like he has been doing.”

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