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Freshman Eugene Wilson III sets career highs vs. Vanderbilt: 'He's a difference maker'

79417-removebg-preview (1)by: Corey Bender10/08/23Corey_Bender
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GAINESVILLE, FL. — One of the Gators’ more elusive playmakers was back in the starting lineup on Saturday and definitely made his presence felt.

A former five-star prospect, Eugene Wilson III injured his collarbone during the week-three victory over Tennessee and has been sidelined ever since.

He entered Saturday’s Vanderbilt game with 12 receptions for 104 yards. This afternoon, he manufactured his best outing to date, reeling in eight receptions for 64 yards and his first-career touchdown. Those are career highs for Wilson as well.

Florida has plenty of athleticism at the skill positions, but with Wilson, he moves different than most and Billy Napier acknowledged that after the game.

“It’s good to have Tre back. He’s a difference maker,” Napier said. “Tre is tough to tackle. He’s got unique acceleration, showed some toughness today, I thought. He’s got some play strength to him, although he’s a little bit smaller guy. But we were trying to get him the ball as much as possible.”

Wilson will be a mainstay in the Gators’ lineup

And because of that, UF is making sure the freshman is a part of the game plan week in and week out.

Whenever there is room to operate, Wilson flashes that elite ability in a hurry. That slippery style of play is a major reason why he has already emerged as a crowd favorite as well.

According to the 2023 On300 rankings, the Tampa native finished his prep career as a five-star prospect and the No. 32-ranked prospect regardless of position.

“He’s one of the players that you want to make sure has an opportunity,” said Napier. “We tried a few things that didn’t quite work today with him, but I think for the most part, we want to make sure when the game is over every week that he had his opportunity to impact the game.”

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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