Eugene Wilson III named one of CFB's top 50 newcomers by ESPN

On3 imageby:Zach Abolverdi•08/11/23•

ZachAbolverdi

On Friday, ESPN released its list of the top 50 newcomers in college football, compiled of both freshmen and transfers. It included one member of Florida’s 2023 class: five-star receiver Eugene Wilson III.

Wilson made the list as one of 21 freshmen and was ranked No. 50 overall by ESPN staff writer Tom VanHaaren, who also mentioned another wideout from the Gators’ 2023 recruiting class.

“Wilson, the No. 7 athlete in the class (according to ESPN), has already made a name for himself. Coach Billy Napier said he thinks Wilson will make the team better. Napier also mentioned Wilson’s speed as an aspect that has stood out, and given that Florida’s offense was ranked 77th in pass yards per game, Wilson and fellow freshman Andy Jean will be welcomed additions.”

Wilson was limited for the first three practices in a non-contact jersey but has been full go since then. He showed out in Florida’s first padded practice Sunday according to Napier.

“Trey, in particular, I thought last night really cut it loose for the first time,” Napier said Monday. “He’s kind of had some soft tissue issues to start camp, so I think his presence was known out there last night. I think he’ll make our team better.”

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Wilson, a five-star recruit in the On3 rankings, is expected to have an immediate impact along with fellow freshmen Jean and Aidan Mizell, both of whom enrolled early. Mizell caught a touchdown in the first scrimmage of fall training camp on Thursday.

“They’re all extremely fast. I think that always helps, right? Documented speed. I think Andy, Aidan and Trey, all three, are verified fast,” Napier said. “Receiver is still a very skilled position so it’s one thing to be fast and another to play fast. There’s a mental component here relative to my assignment, my technique, my adjustment to the coverage.

“Whether it’s steps or depth or landmarks on the field, I think we’re seeing them get comfortable. … I think those guys, they got character, they want to be good players, they’re good teammates. I think they’re hard at work trying to improve their role relative to the team.”

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