GAINESVILLE — The fourth in a position-by-position preview of the UF soccer workforce main as much as SEC Media Days.
TODAY: WIDE RECEIVER
What to anticipate
Regardless of the criticism Florida coach Billy Napier confronted his first three seasons, nobody disputed his potential to determine and appeal to large receivers. The 2025 Gators would possibly characteristic Napier’s finest assortment so far. The unit options pace and explosiveness, size and leaping potential, and pedigree and potential.
UF’s offseason additions, led by first-year freshmen Vernell Brown III and Dallas Wilson and UCLA switch J. Michael Sturdivant, overshadowed Tre Wilson’s much-anticipated return from hip surgical procedure that restricted him to 5 video games in 2025 after a breakout 2024 season whereas a real freshman.
“He seemed like 1,000,000 bucks,” Napier mentioned Could 29 on the SEC Spring Conferences. “It was a each day reminder like, ‘Forgot about that man.’”
The Gators, although, are unlikely to sneak up on anybody within the passing recreation, given sophomore DJ Lagway’s potential to throw the ball and his choices on the perimeter.
Wilson is essentially the most promising member of the group. After he de-committed from Oregon and landed two hours from his Tampa house, the 6-foot-3, 209-pound Wilson wowed coaches throughout exercises and spring follow earlier than an Orange and Blue recreation that includes 10 receptions for 195 yards, each college information, and touchdowns of 20 and 19 yards.
Aside from Wilson, Brown may be UF’s most intriguing newcomer. The previous Orlando Jones standout was the nation’s No. 5 receiver prospect, in keeping with 247Sports, whereas Wilson was No. 8. The 5-foot-11 ¼, 172-pound Brown was a extremely productive receiver (2,871 yards, 21 scores on 164 catches in 2023-24) who additionally scored 4 occasions on particular groups in 2023 (3 punt returns and a kickoff return).
The 5-foot-10, 191-pound Tre Wilson returns as a one other home-run risk, a quicker, stronger model after including 10 kilos of muscle — and 21 since his arrival in the summertime of 2023 at 170 kilos. Regardless of sturdiness considerations, he went on to tally 61 receptions for 538 yards and scored a team-high 6 touchdowns, however managed simply 19 catches for 266 yards and a rating in 2024.
Napier hopes Sturdivant, who spent the previous two seasons at UCLA after one at Cal in 2022, continues a glowing monitor document with switch receivers at UF. This contains 2024 first-round decide Ricky Pearsall and 2025 fourth-rounder Chimere Dike. Anticipated to affix the 2 Wilsons within the beginning rotation, Sturvidant affords measurement (6-2 ½, 216) and expertise (123 catches, 1,727 yards, 13 scores in three seasons).
Kahleil Jackson, a 6-foot-3, 218-pound redshirt senior, is dependable and sure-handed. In the meantime, sophomores Aidan Mizell and Tank Hawkins may be the 2 quickest Gators, although every has but to indicate it constantly on recreation days. True freshman Neashaun Montgomery, a 6-1, 185-pound Miami native, is one other UF wideout with blazing pace however will seemingly have to attend his flip.
What they’re saying
“That is by far the deepest receiver group we’ve had since we’ve been right here and documented pace. There’s a bunch of pace on the market. In order that’s received an opportunity to be a power for us. If we are able to put collectively some stability there and distribute the ball and get good quarterback play, received an opportunity to make extra explosives sooner or later. I feel in the end, that’s an space the place we have to enhance to go the space.” — Napier
Returnees
TJ AbramsTank HawkinsKahleil JacksonWade JacksonAidan MizellTaylor SpiertoTre Wilson
Departures
Elijiah BadgerMarcus BurkeChimere DikeJa’Quavion Fraziars
New arrivals
Vernell Brown III (Orlando Jones), true freshmanNaeshaun Montgomery (Maimi Central), true freshmanJ. Michael Sturdivant (UCLA), redshirt seniorDallas Wilson (Tampa Bay Tech), true freshman
Projected depth chart
X-WR (on line of scrimmage) — Dallas Wilson | Kahleil JacksonZ-WR (off line of scrimmage) — J. Michael Sturdivant | Aidan MizellY-Slot — Tre Wilson | Vernell Brown III
Earlier
QuarterbackWorking againTight finish
Edgar Thompson may be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel.com