One of the most notable aspects of the debut of Dallas Wilson last week for the Florida Gators is what it did to the snap count for incumbent Eugene Wilson III. The Wilson, who is in his third year, saw his snap count reduced to 23 snaps, tied for his lowest amount this season, and he finished with zero catches.
Billy Napier made sure to praise Wilson III in his press conference, but how much of that is just words and what it means for Saturday remains to be seen.
Eugene Wilson III "Blocked his ass off"
Despite the donught in the box score for Wilson III, Napier made sure to highlight his role in helping to spring plays:
"He played great in the game. He played physical, he was tough, he blocked his ass off. I mean, I was really impressed with the guy. The ball didn't go his way during the game, but man, he played really well."
Now this is where we here at Hail Florida Hail want to point out that last week, Napier made a point of emphasis that he used Pro Football Focus "every day."
PFF graded Wilson III's blocking at 41.5, the lowest of anyone on Florida's roster on Saturday, so take that with a grain of salt.
It also begs the question:
Is this what Florida has reduced Wilson III to, a blocking WR?
Wilson III's usage has been a constant talking point this season, as eight of his 15 catches have been behind the line of scrimmage, and just two of his catches have been more than ten yards down the field when caught.
Against Texas, Florida seemed to lean on the trio of Dallas Wilson, Vernell Brown III, and Aidan Mizell, which does feel like Florida's most dangerous set of receivers.
But now Mizell is listed as questionable against Texas A&M, which opens up the door for Wilson III to come back in for 30+ snaps on Saturday.
Will he actually get a chance to run routes, or is he going to get relegated back to 28 motions?
The irony is that the threat of Dallas Wilson and Brown III going deep should actually open up some opportunities for Wilson III to get yards after the catch.
Whether or not it matters is the wild card, but based on how Napier has used Wilson III his entire career in Gainesville, we're not sure Gator fans should hold their breath.