Florida football: Eugene Wilson is a hidden gem for the Gators

Florida football signed lots of elite talent during the Early Signing Period, led by 5-star QB Jaden Rashada.

But one recruit that was outside of 247 Sports’ top 100 that’s starting to get a little more recognition is 4-star wide receiver Eugene Wilson III.

Wilson is a blazing-fast pass catcher out of Tampa, and will probably see some early playing time in a depleted UF receiver room.

On3 recently tweeted out their top-10 WR recruits in the 2023 class, and Wilson came in at 5th.

It’s also worth noting Aidan Mizell landed in the 8th spot on that list.

Even though he is slightly undersized at 5’11”-165, he has something that the Gators have been missing out wide over the last few years.

Speed.

Without a burner on the outside who can take the lid off of a defense, the Florida offense hasn’t been as potent as it could be. Wilson is going to solve those problems.

The ability to eat a hit over the middle, combined with breakaway speed to leave the safeties in the dust, is rare to find at any level of the sport.

Wilson has a verified time of 11.36 in a 100-meter dash, as well as a 22.85 200-meter.

Eugene is a freak athlete with exceptional ball skills that translate well defensively. To go along with his senior stats of 40 catches, 764 yards, and 11 touchdowns, he also snagged 5 INTs and brought two of them back to the house.

In one game last season, he had a stat line of 243 yards and 3 TD, as well as one of his two pick-sixes.

He put up those numbers despite missing some time with a fractured collarbone by the way.

Don’t be surprised when you see Wilson getting playing time early and often in his freshman season. Pending the return of Ricky Pearsall, he’ll be one of UF’s best pass-catching options next season, and will quickly make his name known.

Keep up with Florida football at Hail Florida Hail.