How Xzavier Henderson's exit affects the Florida WR room

Untitled_design__8_-removebg-previewby:Pat O'Donnell•04/26/23•

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It’s next man up in Gainesville with Xzavier Henderson entering his name in the transfer portal over the weekend.

The Gators lose a starter and true veteran at the wide receiver position as Henderson heads into his fourth season of eligibility.

In three seasons at UF, Henderson caught 73 passes for 835 yards with five receiving touchdowns in 35 career games. He also fielded punts and kickoff returns in the orange and blue. 

His final season with Florida was his best with 38 receptions for 410 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately for Henderson, his season was cut short and didn’t get to participate in UF’s final two games with a lower body injury.

The Gators featured Henderson in multiple areas of the passing offense, and he was utilized plenty in the short passing, screen game. Henderson was also seen plenty in motion in the run game because of his speed.

Who can step up in place of Henderson

Now that Henderson is leaving the picture, who can Billy Napier and Florida turn to out wide?

As a result, Ricky Pearsall, who decided to stay at Florida rather than enter his name in this year’s NFL Draft, will have an even larger plate for the 2023-24 season. His role goes unaffected, but more plays will go his way this upcoming season.

Two players who certainly benefit from Henderson’s departure are Caleb Douglas and Ja’Quavion Fraziars.

Douglas, who is heading into his true sophomore season, caught 10 passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman. His role was already expected to increase as he’s an expected starter heading into year two, but Henderson’s departure makes him that much more important to the offense.

Fraziars, on the other hand, missed a good portion of spring practice with a lower body injury. He’s shown flashes in his three seasons at UF, but he will have to perform on a more consistent basis moving forward.

Losing a veteran presence like Henderson puts true freshmen Andy Jean and Aidan Mizell in position to make plays early on. Both players have the speed to replace Henderson, and Jean could even make plays for the Gators on special teams in place of him.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.

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