Top-50 WR Eugene Wilson III follows his heart, commits to Florida
Billy Napier and the Gators just hit the jackpot, as top-50 prospect Eugene Wilson III announced his commitment to the University of Florida.
Wilson, who straps up the pads for Tampa (Fla.) Gaither, ranks as the No. 8 wide receiver and No. 48 prospect regardless of position. That is according to On3’s 2023 Rankings.
The four-star prospect took an official visit on June 17 and made several trips to the Swamp earlier in the year. He attended the Orange and Blue Game as well.
Texas A&M was the additional school under consideration; however, all eyes have been on the Gators since Billy Napier’s staff offered in late February. The prospect himself even admitted that Florida was going to be difficult to beat.
It’s the childhood favorite program, Wilson sees a clear path to early playing time, and his former teammate Jordan Young is also on the roster.
This is the offer Wilson had coveted since the recruiting process kicked into gear. Now, he’s a Gator.
“Florida was my dream school growing up, so to have this connection and to feel this way about Florida, it is different. I like them a lot,” Wilson previously told On3’s Chad Simmons.
“Florida is only an hour and a half away for me, and I actually enjoy going up there now. Every time I am up there, it has been better than just a good experience.
“The first time, I saw the facilities and met the coaches. The second time, I saw practice. Then I saw the spring game. Everyone is excited to be there. The atmosphere is positive and the fans are great.”
With Wilson on board, the Gators now hold commitments from 12 prospects in the 2023 class.
UF is roughly 24 hours removed from receiving the green light from quarterback Marcus Stokes and running back Treyaun Webb, while fellow four-star prospects T.J. Searcy, Sharif Denson, Gavin Hill and Isaiah Nixon recently pledged to UF as well.
The Gators are red hot on the recruiting trail right now and expected to receive more good news as the month goes on.
Relationships played a key role in Florida’s commitment from Wilson
“Everyone is cool up there and I just feel comfortable around them. Coach KC is great, but coach Spencer, coach Napier, and all of the staff have treated me great,” Wilson said.
“With almost every school, I wait for them to hit me up for us to have conversations, but I actually reach out to Florida sometimes. I enjoy communicating with them and I have a strong relationship with almost the entire coaching staff.”
A proven playmaker is headed to the Swamp
The talented wide receiver was elected to the All-Hillsborough County Team in 2021 after posting 62 catches for 925 yards and seven touchdowns as a junior.
Below is a breakdown from On3’s Gerry Hamilton, who watched Wilson earn MVP honors at this year’s Under Armour Miami Camp.
“Wilson was quick, explosive and smooth in drills. He won every single rep at receiver against Power 5 offered defensive backs. Wilson is explosive in his initial movement skills and showed the understanding of setting up his route. When it came time to get in and out of cuts, the separation was instant.
“Wilson was just as impressive when the ball was in the air. He snatched the ball out of the air with soft hands, and arms extended. As impressive as the in play performance was, his workman like approach may have been most impressive.”
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
