In just one quarter Billy Gonzales has unlocked Eugene Wilson III

One of the very real conundrums during the Billy Napier Era was the usage of Eugene Wilson III. For whatever reason, Napier seemed to refuse to let Wilson run routes and relegated him to being a gizmo and a gadget player who ran 47 motions a game.

In just one quarter of the Billy Gonzales Era, it is evident that he has more than he has been able to show and his huge first quarter was a boost to the Gators.

Eugene Wilson III with a 1st Quarter TD

After going down 7-0, Florida was able to get a stop and wound up with great field position on the Georgia 40-yard line. DJ Lagway wasted no time in finding a wide-open Wilson III, who was able to walk into the endzone to tie things at 7-7.

For Wilson III, it was just the 2nd time in his college career that he had caught a pass at least 20 yards down the field. The first time was against Kentucky last season.

Wilson III was done being productive in the quarter as he later got loose in the middle of the field and went for 28 yards to set up a first and goal for the Gators, where they would kick a field goal.

All told, Wilson III had four catches for 80 in the first quarter alone.

At the core of what feels like it had changed for Florida's offense was that Wilson III wasn't being asked to run a motion that went nowhere before every single play, and he was actually given the chance to run routes downfield.

Wilson III came to Florida as part of the class of 2023 as a four-star wide receiver out of Tampa. He had a solid freshman campaign before injuries wrecked his 2024 season.

Entering the game on Saturday, Wilson III had just 118 receiving yards on the season.