Gators WR Eugene Wilson III named Shaun Alexander Player of the Week
Gators star wide receiver Eugene Wilson III has been named the Shaun Alexander Fresh of the Week, as announced by the Maxwell Football Club on Tuesday.
Wilson, a former 5-star prospect and the headliner of the Gators’ 2023 class, was named to the Freshman of the Year Watch List earlier this year. He is second Gators freshman to earn the honor, joining safety Jordan Castell.
The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Week Award is an extension of the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. It has been presented to the College Freshman Player of the Year since 2018 and is named in honor of Shaun Alexander, a former standout at the University of Alabama.
During Saturday’s matchup against Arkansas, Wilson reeled in eight receptions for 90 yards and two touchdowns.
The week prior against Georgia, Wilson recorded a career-high 11 receptions. That number of catches in a single game broke the tie held between himself, Jabar Gaffney and Reidel Anthony.
The native of Tampa Bay leads all FBS true freshmen in receptions per game (6.4). He also ranks third in both receiving yards (416) and receiving yards per game (59.4).
All in all, Wilson is responsible for 45 receptions for 416 yards and four touchdowns.
On3 Director of Scouting of Rankings raves about Wilson
“Eugene Wilson III‘s breakout freshman season rolls on. The true freshman was once again a bright spot for the Gators offense in a 39-36 overtime loss to Arkansas,” said On3’s Charles Power.
“Wilson has started out hot in several games this season and Saturday was no different. The Tampa native scored two touchdowns in the first quarter and finished with 90 yards on eight catches.
“Wilson’s first score came on a route up the seam from 19 yards out on a well-thrown ball from Graham Mertz. The second came one drive later, with the Florida staff calling Wilson’s number off of motion for a six-yard pass.
“On3 tabbed Wilson as a Preseason True Freshman All-American and as a five-star outlier as a high school prospect. He’s living up to that lofty billing so far, with 312 receiving yards and four touchdowns in the last four weeks.
“Wilson was joined by fellow Florida true freshmen Kelby Collins and Jordan Castell in turning in strong showings on Saturday.”
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
![Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier celebrates with Florida Gators wide receiver Aidan Mizell (11) after a touchdown during the first half at the Orange and Blue spring football game at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, April 13, 2024. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun]](https://on3static.com/cdn-cgi/image/height=215,width=393,quality=90,fit=cover,gravity=0.5x0.5/uploads/dev/assets/cms/2024/04/13155133/Untitled-design-65-2.png)
